Author: Andy Kachor
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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…
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FASD United Welcomes the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health to the Affiliate Network
We are thrilled to welcome the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) as the newest member of the FASD United Affiliate Network, now comprised of 49 organizations united to further FASD awareness, provide support, and improve the quality of life for those affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) “works to ensure every Ohioan has access to quality behavioral health care”…
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William J. Edwards, Expert on FASD and the Law, to Receive Paul G. Hearne Award for Disability Rights From the American Bar Association
FASD United congratulates William J. Edwards, a leading expert in FASD and the law, on his selection as the recipient of the prestigious Paul G. Hearne Award for Disability Rights by the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Disability Rights. William “Billy” Edwards is a Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender working in the Los…
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A Look at CIFASD Researcher Dr. Olivia Weeks
Dr. Olivia Weeks is a researcher and key member of the Collaborative Initiative on FASD (CIFASD). Much of Dr. Weeks’ research involves the connection between prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and heart health, including congenital heart defects. Please watch the short video below, in which Dr. Weeks summarizes her research in plain language. FASD United recently had the opportunity to…
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A Look at CIFASD Researcher Sarah Mattson
Dr. Sarah Mattson is a researcher and key member of the Collaborative Initiative on FASD (CIFASD). Please watch the short video below, in which Dr. Mattson summarizes her research in plain language. Dr. Mattson works on FASD diagnosis, including BRAIN-online, a quick and accessible screening tool for FASD, which can be completed in about 30-60…
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A Mother Reflects, “When Dialing 911 is Easy, Finding Appropriate Care is Not.”
The following personal reflection is written by Laura Bousquet, a passionate FASD advocate, Family Navigator for FASD United, and Board Member of the Texas FASD Network, a FASD United affiliate. My son is a young adult with multiple diagnoses, including a brain-based disability, and he is currently experiencing severe and persistent depression. He frequently describes…
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FASD and Neurodiversity: Movements Working Together for Empowerment
Rebecca Tillou, an adult with FASD and powerful self-advocate says, “I came across this quote last year and wrote it down to use sometime. I think now is perfect: “Shame thrives in darkness but withers in light. Let’s be the light.” Neurodiversity is about empowerment and respect. At its core, the term neurodiversity refers to “a world where neurological differences are recognized…
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FASD NPN Spotlight: Nursing Partnership of the University of Alaska, AWHONN, and NPWH
“There is so much we can do to make people’s lives better,” Alexandra Edwards emphasized during our recent conversation. “If we support individuals and just ask people about their alcohol use, we can make such an impact.” Her passion grew as she described the “long-term upstream impacts of prevention and support.” Working in partnership with…
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FASD Respect Act Signed into Law, Delivering Support to Individuals with FASD
Landmark legislation marks milestone in FASD policy, safeguarding and updating FASD programs and services FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, December 2, 2025 Thanks to the advocacy of families across the country, the FASD Respect Act has been signed into law, following passage by the U.S. Congress as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and…
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Giving Tuesday: Kick Off the Charitable Season with a Gift to FASD United
During this season of giving FASD United is making ambitious plans for 2026, and we need you by our side. For a moment, we reflect on a year full of accomplishments. The International Research Conference, Impact Week featuring our 35th Anniversary Red Shoes Gala, Hill Day, call to action symposium, and more, passage of the…