Videos from 2026 International FASD Research Conference Highlight Living Experience, Research, and Advocacy

FASD United is proud to share a collection of video recordings from the 10th International Research Conference on FASD, held in Seattle, Washington in April 2026. The videos feature self-advocates and cover a range of important topics in the FASD field presented at main plenary sessions, including the role of paternal drinking to a pregnancy, the complexity of neurodiversity, and issues with getting a diagnosis.

Video recordings of these presentations can be viewed on this page, below, and on FASD United’s YouTube channel.

Powerful self-advocates are shown sharing their personal stories utilizing a strength-based approach. A group of incredible birth mothers share their insights and experience. Leading FASD researchers present their latest scientific findings. We hope these videos prove valuable to conference attendees who wish to revisit highlights, as well as provide the larger FASD community with the opportunity to hear from some of the leaders in the field.

Self-advocates amplify their voices and tell their own stories

Self-advocates who shared their stories include Sherrie McMillan, who spoke about her own experience of living with FASD and raising her daughter who has FASD as well. Madeline Rae discusses her story of recovery from addiction and how systems need to accommodate people with FASD. Sam Moehlig talks about his daily living challenges, including with navigating the health care system. Jacob Casson-Rennie shares his mental health struggles and what supports work in his life.

Birth mothers share their personal stories of recovery, healing, and hope

A group of birth mothers shared their personal stories of alcohol use during pregnancy and their strength in embracing recovery and healing while challenging the stigma and misconceptions that surround the topic of alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Yolanda Ross, Julie Gelo, and Gaxlageelax Jenelle McMillan each had the courage to share in a deeply personal and vulnerable way. They spoke about the need for systems change to better support pregnant women who have addictions and the need for greater education and awareness of the risks of alcohol and pregnancy and the lifelong impacts of FASD.

Leading researchers share exciting new findings

The conference featured a range of groundbreaking research findings as leaders in the FASD field presented their findings and discussed the real-world impacts of their work on families and individuals living with FASD. Topics discussed spanned from the role of fathers and combined parental alcohol use, neurodiversity, mental health, the diagnostic overlap between FASD and Autism, and the high prevalence of FASD.

Research shows that fathers matter when it comes to FASD

Researcher Michael Golding presented his groundbreaking research on combined parental alcohol use, showing evidence that combined maternal and paternal alcohol use can have greater impacts on offspring well-being than either parent’s drinking alone. This important research supports the importance of including both parents in preconception health education and FASD prevention efforts. Siara Rouzer explained the biological mechanisms by which paternal alcohol exposure can affect offspring. Her research is finding clinical evidence demonstrating that paternal alcohol exposure prior to conception influences offspring development.

FASD, neurodiversity, and diagnosis

Researcher Erin Olson addressed the complexity of neurodiversity as it relates to differential diagnostics for FASD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Discussing the current state of research regarding ASD and FASD differentiation, Dr. Olson looked at developmental profiles among individuals with ASD and FASD. The presentation looked at the often complex process of diagnosis and the various factors that play in to the diagnostic process across systems.

Julianne Myers presented on “Disentangling Diagnostic Overlap” in which she referred to a review of neurodevelopmental profiles in FASD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Myers focused on the current state of the research in areas of neurobehavioral overlap in FASD and ASD. This brings up the issue of stigma and what services and supports are needed for these populations. This research has a direct impact on clinical practice, advocacy, and how to best educate providers about FASD.

Longtime FASD expert Yasmin Senturias looked “Beyond the Diagnosis” as she introduced a Functional Classification Model for FASD Intervention and Support. Using survey data, Dr. Senturias looked at FASD diagnostic practices. This research can be applied to recommend actionable, developmentally appropriate supports for individuals with FASD across the lifespan.

FASD is not rare, research confirms high prevalence rate

Longtime researcher and expert Susan (Astley) Hemingway presented on the high prevalence of prenatal and postnatal risks among 2,652 patients with prenatal alcohol exposure who were evaluated for FASD at the Washington State Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic & Prevention Network. Along with presenting these findings, Dr. Hemingway pointed out that individuals with PAE often present with a myriad of other prenatal and postnatal risks.

The intersection of FASD and mental health

We know that people with FASD are more likely to experience mental health challenges. Madeline Delage spoke about the important topic of addressing mental health in teens with FASD and in building accessible and community-informed treatment approaches. Madeline identified key adaptations that make mental health treatment more effective for teens with FASD.

A depth of shared knowledge and experience

We believe that this collection of recorded video presentations can serve to educate and inform the FASD community and the public on the latest emerging research on FASD and PAE and the real-world impact of this research on families and individuals. We hope these videos inspire, educate, and motivate the FASD community, including advocates, researchers, clinicians, and leaders across disciplines.

The playlist of the conference videos is available on YouTube here.