Assessing motor skills to inform a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnosis focusing on persons older than 12 years: A systematic review of the literature

Methods: A systematic review of current evidence using various electronic databases was conducted. Studies were appraised using a recognised clinical appraisal tool. Results: Seven studies published between 1998 and 2014 met the inclusion criteria. There is some evidence that difficulties with fine motor skills, visual motor integration, and balance skills persist in people who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol. Most studies did not focus on adolescent or adult participants in isolation, making it difficult to generalise results. Varied methodological designs made it difficult to compare studies as few used common standardised assessments Conclusion: A review of functional difficulties in each individual would be required to determine if a motor assessment is warranted. Further research is required using assessments recommended in diagnostic guidelines to determine the common motor difficulties seen in adolescents and adults.