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. OBJECTIVES 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.