WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL CRITERIA FOR EACH OF THE FASD DIAGNOSES?

The most current versions of the FASD 4-Digit Diagnostic Code TM and Lip-Philtrum Guides are the 3rd edition released in 2004. The most recent version of the FAS Facial Photographic Analysis Software is Version 2.0 released in 2012. All clinicians are encouraged to upgrade to this latest version.

The 4-Digit Code is a simple, comprehensive, evidence-based method for diagnosing the full spectrum of outcomes observed among individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure. The 4-Digit Diagnostic Code provides more accurate and reproducible diagnoses than the gestalt method due to its use of quantitative, objective measurement scales, and specific case-definitions.

The four digits in the code reflect the magnitude of expression of the four key diagnostic features of FASD in the following order:

1. 1. Growth deficiency
   2. The FAS facial features
   3. Central nervous system (CNS) structural and functional abnormalities
   4. Prenatal alcohol exposure

The magnitude of expression of each feature is ranked independently on a 4-point Likert scale with 1 reflecting complete absence of the FASD feature and 4 reflecting a strong “classic” presence of the FASD feature. The 4-Digit Code also documents and ranks all other prenatal and postnatal risk factors that often accompany prenatal alcohol exposure. The 4-Digit Code is used to diagnose individuals across the entire age span (birth through adult).

Source: https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders-toolkit/Pages/default.aspx; https://depts.washington.edu/fasdpn/htmls/4-digit-code.htm