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.