Written by Laura Bousquet, a parent, self-advocate, and part of the FASD United team

As a caregiver of someone impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to approach professionals with empathy and understanding when raising awareness about this invisible disability. FASD is often misunderstood, or worse, completely overlooked, because it’s not something you can see on the surface. When I speak to professionals, I always begin by acknowledging that FASD is a complex condition that might not be on their radar. I’m not there to question their expertise but to share insights that might help improve the support systems for individuals like my loved one.

Raising awareness about the prevalence of FASD is crucial. It affects more individuals than most people realize—about 1 in 20 school-aged children—yet it often goes undiagnosed. Early identification is critical in getting the right support in place. I’ve seen this in my own life, where my loved one’s diagnosis came later than it should have, but it opened doors to better care. Sharing personal stories like this makes FASD more real for professionals and helps them understand why their role is so important in identifying and supporting those affected.

I also make sure to provide evidence-based information to help professionals understand that FASD isn’t just a behavioral issue—it’s a brain-based disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. This science can make all the difference in how they approach someone with FASD. Offering small, practical suggestions—like adjusting communication styles or considering FASD screening as part of routine assessments—gives professionals tangible ways to better support people with FASD.

Collaboration is key. I encourage professionals to keep learning and to see me as a resource for ongoing conversations. It’s not just about one meeting—it’s about building awareness over time. I always respect their expertise, but I also remind them that understanding FASD will complement their skills and help them work even more effectively with people who live with invisible disabilities.

This week is National Invisible Disabilities Week, a perfect time to shine a light on FASD and other conditions that too often go unseen. For individuals with FASD, it’s critical that the professionals who work with them—teachers, doctors, social workers, and others—are open to learning more about what’s beneath the surface. A soft, collaborative approach is the best way to encourage curiosity and create meaningful change.

To Do List for a Soft Approach to Educating Professionals on FASD:

1. Acknowledge limited awareness and offer to share insights.

2. Highlight FASD’s prevalence and the importance of early identification.

3. Use personal stories to humanize the condition.

4. Provide evidence-based information on the neurological aspects of FASD.

5. Suggest practical steps professionals can implement (e.g., communication adjustments, screening).

6. Encourage collaboration and offer yourself as a resource.

8. Share continued education resources, such as training programs or webinars.

7. Respect their professional expertise and show how FASD education enhances their work.

As we mark National Invisible Disabilities Week, let’s keep building awareness for FASD and other invisible disabilities. The more we share, learn, and collaborate, the better we can support individuals living with FASD and help them thrive.