800 Conditions for Further Study
Prevalence
The prevalence rates of ND-PAE are unknown. However, estimated prevalence rates of clini-
cal conditions associated with prenatal alco hol exposure are 2%–5% in the United States. 
Development and Course
Among individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure, evidence of CNS dysfunction varies
according to developmental stage. Although about one-half of young children prenatally
exposed to alcohol show marked  developmental delay in the first 3 years of life, other chil-
dren affected by prenatal alcohol exposure may not exhibit signs of CNS dysfunction until
they are preschool- or school-age. Additionally, impairments in higher order cognitive
processes (i.e., executive functioning), which are often associated with  prenatal alcohol ex-
posure, may be more easily assessed in older children. When children reach school age,
learning difficulties, impairme nt in executive function, and problems with integrative lan-
guage functions usually emerge more clearly, and both social skills deficits and challeng-
ing behavior may become more evident. In particular, as school and other requirements
become more complex, greater deficits are no ted. Because of this, the school years repre-
sent the ages at which a diagnosis of ND-PAE would be most likely. 
Suicide Risk
Suicide is a high-risk outcome, with rates incr easing significantly in late adolescence and
early adulthood.
Functional Consequences of Neurobehavioral Disorder 
Associated With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
The CNS dysfunction seen in individuals with ND-PAE often leads to decrements in adap-
tive behavior and to maladaptive behavior  with lifelong consequences. Individuals
affected by prenatal alcohol ex posure have a higher prevalence of disrupted school expe-
riences, poor employme nt records, trouble with the law,  confinement (legal or psychiat-