A Multiple Case Report of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders with Focus on Cognitive and Sensory Profiles
AIMS: Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), characterized by persistent cognitive, adaptive, and neurosensory impairments. Alcohol disrupts processes of cerebral development underlying multisensory integration and lateralization, which are essential for cognitive and behavioral functioning. This study used the Brief Multisensory Integration Battery (BMIB) and the Global Lateral Preference Inventory (GLPI) to detect FASD-related neurocognitive and sensory features. METHODS: Three adolescents with documented PAE were assessed with the BMIB and GLPI, alongside standardized neuropsychological tests and measures of physical development. Analyses focused on patterns of multisensory integration, lateral preference, and broader cognitive functioning as potential markers of FASD. RESULTS: All participants showed deficits in multisensory tasks and atypical lateralization across sensory and motor domains. These impairments aligned with known neurodevelopmental disruptions associated with PAE. The BMIB and GLPI demonstrated sensitivity in capturing clinically relevant dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide preliminary evidence for the clinical utility of these tools in identifying PAE-related deficits. Early detection may improve diagnostic accuracy and guide targeted interventions. Larger studies are needed to confirm their psychometric robustness.
Authors
- Thomas E. Krahe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4686-9284)
- Louise Marques (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3844-6932)
- Alexandre E. Medina (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0517-7756)
- MARTINA VIRAG KOVACS
- J. Landeira Fernandez
- CAROLINA AGUIAR DE OLIVEIRA SILVA
- Helenice Charchat-Fichman
- Mirta S. Misailidis
- Joana Cramer
- Sofia Melo
Institutions
- University of Maryland, Baltimore (US)
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics
- Published
- 2026-03-31
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2026.2646693
- Primary Topic
- Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
- Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
- Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro