Category: News
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Study Finds Low Levels of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Affect Brain Development
A major new study published in JAMA Network Open finds that small amounts of prenatal alcohol exposure can cause structural brain alterations in children. This study reinforces the longtime medical and scientific community consensus that no amount of alcohol is without risk during pregnancy. Researchers set the average exposure for the study as one drink…
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A Tribute to FASD Champion and Dean of the House, Don Young
By Mike “Keawe” Anderson and Kate Boyce FASD United honors the legacy and memory of U.S. Representative Don Young who passed away Friday while returning to his home state of Alaska. Congressman Young had served as Alaska’s sole U.S Representative for 49 years, and in his last term was the lead cosponsor of H.R. 4151,…
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FASD United Stands with Ukraine and its FASD Community
FASD United is horrified and deeply saddened by the tragic situation unfolding in Ukraine. The loss of life and human suffering is immeasurable, and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine, especially its FASD community. Ukraine and the surrounding region have among the highest rates of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder…
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Update: Challenge to CA Regional Centers FASD Denials
As reported in a January 26, 2022, FASD United post, NOFAS Northern California and other FASD and legal advocates are planning to challenge the California Department of Developmental Disability Services for systematically denying individuals with FASD services through the department’s network of regional centers. Led by NOFAS Northern California Director Peggy Black, advocates contend that…
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FASD Research Briefs Published by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
On February 3, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), published two fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) research briefs. The reports describe essential state prevention, identification, and intervention strategies and the vital role of primary health care providers in…
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Families Needed to Help Develop Innovative FASD App
If you are the parent or caregiver of a child between the ages of 3 and 12 who has an FASD diagnosis — or confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure without a diagnosis — researchers need your help to test their new FASD app. Families Moving Forward (FMF) Connect is a smartphone app for parents and caregivers…
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California Families Rejected for State Services Needed for Legal Challenge
California families! If you applied to any regional center in California, were denied eligibility for your loved one with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) diagnosis, appealed that decision and lost, please contact Peggy Black at NOFAS Northern California. A children’s legal advocacy agency is interested in challenging the regional centers and the California Department…
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FASD United Welcomes Heather French and Launches Family Navigator Program
Heather French, the mother of five children, including three with an FASD diagnosis, has joined FASD United to lead the organization’s new Family Navigator program. The FASD United Family Navigator was established to provide the FASD community with expert confidential support and referrals. Individuals living with FASD and their families and caregivers can utilize the…
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Stigmatizing Saturday Night Live Sketch Highlights Urgent Need to Address FASD, the Nation’s Leading Cause of Developmental Disabilities
FASD UNITED CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PASS THE FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS RESPECT ACT FASD United, the nation’s leading voice in support of children and adults living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), calls for prompt action on the pending FASD Respect Act to address and remedy the stigma and harm due to lack of…