Children who have fetal alcohol syndrome tend to have problems with mathematics and researchers in Canada think they know why. A study at the University of Alberta found that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder have specific deficits in memory for numbers and sequences.

"If parents know what their child's strengths and weaknesses are, they can help work on those skills," said lead author Dr. Carmen Rasmussen in a news release. He said typical teaching rate may be too rapid for children with FASD. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is caused by the mother's alcohol consumption while a fetus is still in the womb.

The findings of the study "may help refine assessments of FASD children and provide a 'neurobehavioural profile' to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible," said Dr. Rasmussen The study was published in Child Neuropsychology in December 2006.

More About Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:

• Numbers, Sequences Pose Problems for FAS Children
  
• FAS Frequently Asked Questions
  
• FAS in the Classroom

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