Communication effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.

This paper surveys the literature on prenatal alcohol exposure. The focus is on studies of speech, language, and communication skills evidenced by children diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects. Concomitant physical, behavioral, intellectual, and learning patterns are reviewed. Symptoms presented by alcohol-exposed children are compared to those seen in other developmentally delayed children. Future needs in areas of identification, assessment, and treatment are discussed.