Which statement correctly describes the relationship between FAS and FAE severity?

• A. They are identical
• B. FAS symptoms decrease with age
• C. FAS is more severe than FAE
• D. FAE is more severe than FAS

Answer: (C)

Understanding how these two relate in severity helps here: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) describes the full syndrome with distinct facial features, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system problems, making it the more severe form. Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) refers to effects from prenatal alcohol exposure that may include learning or behavioral issues but without the full facial dysmorphology and often without the major growth or CNS impairments seen in FAS. So, saying FAS is more severe than FAE matches the typical clinical distinction. The other statements don’t fit: they aren’t identical in presentation or severity, FAS symptoms don’t universally decrease with age, and FAE is not more severe than FAS.