An evaluation of social skills in children with and without prenatal alcohol exposure.
BACKGROUND
The goal of this study was to examine social skills deficits among children with and without prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) who were both referred to a respite programme.


METHODS
Thirty-seven children with PAE and 23 non-exposed children (aged 3 to 8 years) were evaluated on the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) by their caregivers and respite workers.


RESULTS
As compared with the non-exposed children, those with PAE showed more deficits on caregiver ratings of responsibility, hyperactivity, internalizing problems and overall social skills, as well as respite worker ratings of hyperactivity. The social skills among the PAE group were not related to home placement variables. Among both groups, caregivers rated social skills lower than respite workers, and among the PAE group, girls tended to display more social skills deficits than boys.


CONCLUSIONS
The SSRS is useful in identifying unique social skills deficits among children with PAE.
Rasmussen
C
C
Section of Pediatric Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. carmen@ualberta.ca
Becker
M
M
McLennan
J
J
Urichuk
L
L
Andrew
G
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000523:psychology*; D012919:Social Behavior
D000431:Ethanol