Are you a person with FASD, a family member, caregiver or professional looking for help finding resources and support? If so, we have some exciting news – FASD United, the national voice on FASD, has expanded the Family Navigator Program with live support availability from 9am-10pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday! This innovative new program is designed to provide personalized access to resources and services tailored specifically to an individual or family’s needs. Through this service, you can now receive one-on-one peer support and assistance in navigating the complex maze of systems that are involved in supporting individuals with FASD. We believe this unique and invaluable addition to our existing suite of services can greatly improve quality of life – not only for those living directly with an FASD diagnosis, but also parents, caregivers, siblings, extended family members, friends and others connected in the lives of individuals affected by FASD.

FASD United is pleased to announce the addition of 2 new members of the Family Navigation team, Kristen Eriksen and Laura Bedard.  Both experienced caregivers of people with FASD, with experience navigating systems for their own families and others, Kristen and Laura come to us through a collaboration with MassFas, a member of the FASD Affiliate Network.  Kristen and Laura join current navigators Heather French and Laura Bousquet.  “During the first year of operation in 2022, the family navigator program directed over 400 people to resources for FASD,” states Tom Donaldson, President of FASD United, “we know that resources for FASD can be difficult to locate, causing additional stress and inequity.  We are thrilled to expand the Family Navigator Program and increase access to resources and supports.  This is just one small step of many we are taking at FASD United to help build an equitable future for the 1 in 20 Americans living with FASD today.”

FASD, like ADHD and Autism, is a developmental disability resulting in neurodiversity. In some cases, FASD may also be associated with physical differences.  With recognition, diagnosis and support, people with FASD can be successful in happy and productive lives.  For more information on FASD and how you can help build health equity for people living with FASD, go to www.fasdunited.org.