Earlier this month, FASD United released its National Education Survey. This year, a small group of educators and FASD advocates worked to enhance the portion of the survey focused on educators and those in the larger education system. Previous years’ surveys have demonstrated that students with FASD and their families often face barriers and challenges when trying to access educational supports and services. These issues are seen across schools, districts, and states. 

It is estimated that 1 in 20 students have FASD. This means that, on average, at least one student in every single classroom is living with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Despite the prevalence of FASD, many educators often don’t know about FASD, the unique ways it differs from other brain-based disabilities, or how to best serve students living with FASD.   

This year we are encouraging self-advocates and their families to both take the survey and to share it with the educators in their life. This could be their current or former teachers, principals/school administrators, paraeducators, and even those in teacher preparation programs. The aim is to gain a broader understanding of the gaps and opportunities in the current system so that FASD United and our partners can develop and refine programs and policies designed to meet the needs of students, their families, and the educational professionals that support them. 

Alex Pastorino of the Alaska Center for FASD (AKFASD) and a member of this year’s survey committee shared that, “As a person living with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and a retired educator, I understand the unique needs of both those affected by FASD and those who are desperately trying to meet the challenging, unique needs of their students impacted by prenatal alcohol. This survey has finally given me a voice and allowed me to express my concerns, to advocate for those who have been so misunderstood and misjudged, and to find some hope regarding a neurodiversity challenge that is largely invisible.” We appreciate Alex’s unique voice in this larger conversation, and we need yours as well. 

Please visit the FASD and Education webpage to take the survey. You will also find printable flyers that you can share with those in your community.