September is FASD Awareness Month
With 1 in 20 children estimated to have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the United States, FASD isn't rare. It's everywhere. We're joining FASD United to educate our communities about the risks associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, provide support to individuals and families affected by FASD, and combat stigma.
FASD is a range of conditions that can occur in individuals that were exposed to alcohol in the womb. These conditions can lead to lifelong physical, behavioral, and cognitive challenges, including difficulties with learning, memory, attention, and social interactions.
Recognizing the strengths, talents, and gifts that individuals with FASD bring to our communities is a great way to celebrate FASD Awareness Month. Follow along with us this month to learn more about how to support and advocate for individuals with FASD and their families.
Download Fact Sheets from FASD United
See FASD United's full September toolkit
FASD is Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity recognizes that neurological differences, like those seen in individuals with FASD, are natural variations of the human brain. By viewing FASD through the lens of neurodiversity, we can foster a more inclusive society that values and supports people with different neurological makeups. This perspective encourages acceptance, understanding, and the development of tailored support systems that respect the unique strengths and challenges of those with FASD.
FASD and the Brain Lunch n' Learn
Want to learn more about FASD and neurodiversity? We have the 101 on neurodiversity and supports that can be used in school, at home, and in the community.
Join us Thursday, September 26 at 12:00 pm via Zoom
In this free 30-minute webinar, Dr. Krista James will help you:
- Understand the brain differences in FASD and the impacts to learning and health.
- Explore practices in the field to support prevention, policy, awareness, and family support.
- Understand best practices and supports for the home, school, and community environments.
Awareness and Support Events
Spreading awareness of FASD helps combat stigma that prevents families from seeking the help they need. By promoting understanding and empathy, we can help create a more supportive environment for everyone affected by FASD.
Download FASD United’s advocacy guide and social media campaign
Consider joining one of the following awareness opportunities:
- September 6-16: Run FASD
Run FASD is a virtual 5k event that can happen at your own pace, wherever you are. From September 6th – 16th, 2024, we want you to Run (or Walk!) FASD to bring awareness to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Register for Run FASD here.
- Monday, September 9: FASD Awareness Day
- Monday, September 9: Birth Mother Support Group
"Creating a Circle of Hope for Women and their Families Living with Addiction, Stigma & Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)"
Register for the Birth Mother Support Group here.
- Saturday, September 14: Self-Advocate Support Group
The FASD Collaborative Project hosts several support groups and educational sessions. Register to attend the FASD Never Alone support group with Miranda Bezell
Email host to register for the FASD Never Alone support group at mandy-gcorp@hotmail.com
- Monday, September 16: Wear Red Shoes!
In honor of the Red Shoes Gala in DC, HDC plans to wear red shoes and you should, too! In 2013 a FASD self-advocate decided to wear red shoes to stand out, be noticed, and start conversations around FASD. Red shoes have been adopted as an international symbol of FASD advocacy and we invite you to join us in a celebration of the FASD community and to support the mission of FASD United. - Tuesday, September 17: The Ride-Ahead Pre-Release Screening
This event celebrates Giving FASD a Seat at the Table in the Disability space. Samuel and Dan Habib highlight runner and FASD self-advocate, Andrew Peterson in their film.
Register to participate in the Ride-Ahead Pre-Release Screening from home here. - Thursday, September 26: FASD 101 Virtual Lunch 'n Learn with Dr. Krista James (at 12:00 pm)
Have lunch with us (virtually) and learn all about FASD! In this free webinar, Dr. James will teach you the brain differences in FASD and the impacts to learning & health. You will explore practices in the field to support prevention, policy, awareness, and family support. After the webinar, you will understand best practices and supports for the home, school, and community environments.
Register for the FASD 101 Lunch 'n Learn
Prevention Initiatives
There’s a lot of misinformation about alcohol and pregnancy. However, it is true that a fetus exposed to alcohol may develop lifelong physical, mental, behavioral and/or learning disabilities. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
“FASD is common. FASD is costly. FASD is preventable with the appropriate supports.” – Proof Alliance
By educating people—especially those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant—about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, we can help reduce the number of children born with FASD.
Learn more about alcohol and pregnancy from Proof Alliance
Join us in celebrating FASD Awareness Month with Proof Alliance Mocktails!
Learn how to make a Zero Proof Watermelon Margarita
Find a Mocktail for every occasion with Proof Alliance
Help us build an FASD network in Louisiana
Join the Human Development Center at LSU Health New Orleans to support individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), their families, and the professionals that serve them. We aim to address PAE prevention, education, intervention, and advocacy while reducing stigma.
We need your help to build Louisiana's FASD United chapter. By joining us, you will help:
- Create an advisory board consisting of individuals with FASD, their families, and professionals
- Raise awareness of FASD
- Lead engagement and events in the state