Executive functioning and working memory deficits on the CANTAB among children with prenatal alcohol exposure.

Background: Children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) display numerous neuropsychological impairments, including deficits on measures of executive functioning (EF) and working memory.

Objective: The goal of this project was to examine whether children with PAE and FASD demonstrate EF and working memory deficits on the CANTAB® (a computerized neuropsychological test).

Methods: Twenty-four children with PAE and 26 control children were tested on the CANTAB®.

Results: Children with PAE demonstrated deficits in the areas of executive functioning, working memory, and attention. Among the PAE group, those with FASD were specifically impaired on working memory capacity.

Conclusions: The CANTAB® is a useful tool for detecting neurobehavioral deficits in children with PAE.