Author: Casidee Gonzales
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Give FASD a Seat at the Table: Our Mission for 2024
In 2023, the FASD community actively engaged in advocacy, education, and awareness initiatives. Noteworthy events included the emphasis on real-life experiences with Yes I Can, growth of the Affiliate Network, the National FASD Impact Week, featuring a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., expansion of the Family Navigator program, re-introduction of the FASD International Research Conference,…
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The Importance of Self-Care for Individuals with FASDs: ALC FASD Changemakers
A new 13-week social media series begins with the meaningful help of the ALC FASD Changemakers. This collaboration leads to the highly anticipated Vancouver Conference 2024, where both organizations will meet in Seattle. The series is about self-care, which can be defined as numerous different things depending on the person you ask. Instead of promoting…
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January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month!
Welcome to 2024, a new year of information, excitement, and growth. However, January’s awareness month hasn’t changed- It’s National Birth Defects Awareness Month. FASD impacts as many as 1 in 20 individuals, and according to the CDC, 1 in 7 pregnancies (14%) are alcohol-exposed. Birth defects like FASD are structural changes present at birth that…
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A Neurodiverse Lens on How to Handle the Holidays and Extended Family
Family relationships can be difficult to navigate, like any kind of interpersonal connection. They are especially difficult because we are eager to appease, care for, and trust those related to us. Seeing extended family has a nuance of unfamiliarity within the innate familiarity of family. Interactions with extended family may seem more stressful or anxiety-inducing…
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The FASD Respect Act Passes Senate HELP Committee in The Support Reauthorization Act
For Immediate Release: December 12, 2023 Media Inquiries: wisdahl@fasdunited.org or 202-785-4585 WASHINGTON, DC – Today, The FASD Respect Act (S.1800) introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), cleared a major hurdle toward enactment into law by passing the U.S. Senate HELP Committee as part of The Support Reauthorization Act (S.3393). The FASD…
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FASD in the Criminal Justice Space: Interview with Captain Brian Holloman
Research highlights the connection between FASD and interactions with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. While these statistics may spark concern, they emphasize an important point. How do we make these systems more FASD-informed to ensure support for those living with FASD? To discuss this, FASD United interviewed Brian Holloman, the patrol division captain…
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Prevention-Based Messaging and Perspectives From Those with FASDs
In the FASD space, prevention messaging undoubtedly plays a crucial role, but focusing solely on prevention can sometimes inadvertently cast a shadow over those living with this disability. Many national leaders acknowledge the importance of prevention and support for those with disabilities; As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wisely explains, “We know…
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The Triumphs and Troubles of Living with FASD: An Interview with Self-Advocate Marlee
People are not just one thing. As we know, living with FASD can lead to challenges. It can also highlight the unique strengths and positive qualities of those with them. To help explore this topic and provide a living experience perspective on the matter, FASD United has interviewed Marlee, a resilient, wise woman with an…
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A Note on the Giving Season, from FASD United’s Emma Baldwin
The Holiday season is packed with so many events, traditions, and, yep, emotions. Mostly positive, but sometimes overwhelming. For my household growing up, Holidays were energetic. Being in a family with 5 kids, all with high support-needs (FASD, autism, ADHD, and beyond), Holidays came with a lot of good and a lot of navigating sibling…
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Get your 2023 Holiday Ornament and Support FASD Awareness!
FASD United’s new holiday ornament is available for purchase all of November and into early December. Make sure to snag one of these collectible, deep blue items while supplies last! Both sides of this meaningful design can be shown depending on your preference. One side features a snowflake design with the FASD United logo and…