Author: Andy Kachor
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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…
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FASD United’s William Edwards Named Recipient of the American Bar Association’s Paul G. Hearne Award
The American Bar Association (ABA) has selected William “Billy” Edwards as the 2025 winner of the Paul G. Hearne Award for Disability Rights. A member of the FASD United Board of Directors, Edwards is a Deputy Public Defender in the Neurocognitive Disorders Unit of the Office of the Los Angeles County, California, Public Defender, and…
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FASD Respect Act Language Presented to President
November 26th, 2025 It has been over two months since the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2483), which includes authorization of the FASD Respect Act, passed both chambers of Congress. Yesterday, on November 25th, this bill was presented to the President, marking its final hurdle before officially becoming law. Now…
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Please Take the National Education Survey
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…
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FASD United Virtual Policy Forum Rescheduled: Join us December 3rd at 2:00 PM ET!
The Policy Forum originally scheduled for November 26th has been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd at 2:00 PM ET to accommodate for Thanksgiving travel. November provided opportunities to meet with Members of Congress and discuss advocacy strategies, and we hope you will join us for an engaging discussion on what is to come in 2026. The December 3rd Forum will…
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Guidance on Autism and Substance Exposure Raises Concerns and Highlights the Need for Respectful Language and Scientific Accuracy
FASD United shares the concerns raised by leading autism organizations and maternal health organizations regarding new Federal health agency guidance on autism and prenatal substance exposure. These new materials and guidance are a cause for concern within the FASD community. FASD often co-occurs with autism, and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) often co-occurs with other substance…
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A Historic and Impactful Week of Community, Advocacy, and Action Propels the FASD Field Forward
The FASD community came together for National FASD Impact Week in Washington, DC, proudly hosted by FASD United. Over the course of four jam-packed days last week (September 14-17), advocates, researchers, and families came together to organize, strategize, learn, and celebrate. Through workshops, a symposium, a successful advocacy-filled “Hill Day,” a film screening, and a…