Resource Directory

Individuals with FASD face unique complexities, including difficulties with executive functioning, memory, emotional regulation, and social interactions. This guide intends to help individuals navigate common obstacles with an FASD-based lens, including tips and tricks in order to enhance over all well-being.

FASD United has worked in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno’s Medical Assistant Partnership for Healthy Pregnancies and Families (MAP) on the creation of a poster for healthcare professionals. The poster, “What People with FASDs and their Families Want Healthcare Professionals to Know” provides practical guidance for supporting individuals with FASD and their families.

FASD United conducted a national review of how prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal
alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are recognized and supported across the United
States. This included reviewing policies, state websites, and state data. This
document provides a synopsis of the data and policies nationwide.

September is FASD Awareness Month. Join the campaign: Every Board, Every Voice.

The idea is simple. FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) is estimated to affect roughly 1 in 20 school-age children — more common than autism — yet it isn’t currently named as a Special Education eligibility category in Virginia. Most affected students are served, if at all, without anyone ever connecting the diagnosis to the classroom support that would help.

So throughout September, caregivers and self-advocates across Virginia’s 132 school divisions are signing up for public comment at their own local school board meetings and asking for one concrete step — whether that’s staff training, including FASD in IEP/504 evaluations, or simply a September proclamation. Individually, each comment is two or three minutes. Together, timed and shared under one hashtag, they become a visible, coordinated statement that this is a gap Virginia can close.

Impact Week — our biggest coordinated push — runs September 27–29.

Attached a short packet with everything you need:

– A one-page overview of the campaign and the key facts

– A “how you can help” sheet with three simple ways to get involved

– A prep sheet with a fill-in-the-blank script if you’d like to speak

– A printable sign for a photo, if you want one

Two things to consider:

1. Speaking at your own school board meeting this September. It’s easier than it sounds — the prep sheet walks through exactly how to find your meeting, sign up, and what to say. YOU can do it!

2. Sharing this with anyone else who might want to get involved, even just by posting about it.

This brief was developed by Children and Family Futures, in partnership with Casey Family Programs. For a self-assessment tool and resource list, see the companion brief: Which resources can help strengthen agency responses to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders?

(Mela et al., 2018, all rights reserved)