Rare chromosomal differences found in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

MedicalXpress | août 03, 2026

One in four children diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder was found to have rare chromosomal differences at considerably higher rates than the general population, according to a study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research. Half of those differences were associated with harmful or potentially harmful genetic variations. The study's authors recommend high-resolution genetic testing whenever fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is diagnosed to provide a more complete clinical diagnosis and identify opportunities for improved medical management.