Fetal alcohol disorder often misdiagnosed as ADHD

The attention and impulsivity problems that are associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are often misdiagnosed first as ADHD, a new study suggests. Experts say children with FASD often have more trouble recognizing social cues, and have a higher risk of psychiatric problems than ADHD children. The study of three groups of children--some with ADHD and some with FASD--suggests that the inability of FASD kids to determine the social and emotional cues of their peers and caregivers may explain why they are typically more at risk for serious behavioral problems such as lying, cheating, and stealing.