In discussions of fetal alcohol conditions, which statement is true about the progression of FAS symptoms as children grow?

• A. FAS tends to decrease
• B. FAS tends to increase as they grow
• C. FAS remains exactly the same
• D. FAS disappears

Answer: (B)

As children with fetal alcohol exposure grow, the brain-based challenges—such as problems with attention, memory, executive function, and adaptive skills—often become more evident because school demands, social expectations, and daily responsibilities become larger. While some physical features may be most noticeable early on, the neurodevelopmental effects persist and can appear to worsen relative to age-appropriate expectations as they face learning tasks and complex social situations. So the idea that FAS tends to increase as they grow reflects how the impact on functioning can become more pronounced over time, even though it doesn’t mean the condition suddenly appears or disappears.