This paper discusses the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol effects (FAE). It then presents information from biological and adopted parents of 14 individuals (ages 4-23 years) diagnosed with FAS or FAE, based on a parent survey concerning behavioral and educational histories of their children. Behavior patterns were characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, poor attention span, poor judgment, and difficulty in remaining on task. Use of a structured environment was found to be necessary to control and change behavior; this structure involved a systematic schedule followed very consistently and a set pattern of consequences for problems. Common areas of behavior problems were dealing with consequences, learning from their mistakes, and having the ability to generalize consequential information to other circumstances. Unusual, erratic sleeping patterns were commonly reported. Behaviors such as lying, stealing, and inappropriate sexual behaviors were occurring, regardless of the secure stable environment provided by parents/caregivers. School issues included their need for individual attention, their need for reteaching, their resistance to rules, their hypersensitivity to criticism, and other problems. Characteristics of the "most successful teachers" and the "best year in school" are outlined and contrasted with characteristics of "least successful teachers" and "least successful school years." The survey instrument is appended. (15 references) (JDD)