FASD United is excited to announce the launch of our new Language and Stigma Guide. This groundbreaking resource aims to promote respectful, empowering language and combat the harmful stigma that surrounds FASD and prenatal substance exposure.  The guide is now available on our website as a downloadable PDF. 

Summary of the Guide 

The Language and Stigma Guide is a comprehensive resource designed for both individuals and organizations who want to contribute to changing the narrative around FASD. The guide offers practical recommendations for using person-first language, debunking harmful myths, and fostering a culture of inclusion. It also provides actionable tips for minimizing stigma in everyday conversations and within professional settings.  

How to Use the Guide 

The guide is designed to be an accessible, user-friendly tool. Whether you are a parent, educator, healthcare provider, or advocate, this guide will help you navigate language choices that promote respect, understanding, and support. It offers concrete examples and suggestions on how to talk about FASD without perpetuating stereotypes or unintentionally causing harm.  

Goal of the Guide: 

The Language and Stigma Guide was created to foster a more compassionate, inclusive dialogue by encouraging the use of person-first language and reducing the harmful stereotypes that often impact individuals with an FASD. By highlighting the power of language in shaping perceptions and attitudes, this guide empowers advocates, professionals, and the general public to engage in more respectful and accurate conversations about FASD.  Inherent in this approach is a focus on the living experience of the FASD community rather than centering alcohol use during pregnancy. 

Importance of Reducing Stigma and Shifting Language 

The stigma associated with FASD is deeply entrenched in society and can have profound consequences on individuals, families, and communities. Misunderstandings and negative stereotypes often lead to discrimination, social exclusion, and a lack of access to appropriate resources. By addressing and reducing stigma, we can ensure that individuals with an FASD receive the understanding and support they need to thrive. A shift in language can be a catalyst for this change, creating more welcoming environments in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and beyond.   

Examples from the Guide 

The stigma surrounding FASD is a barrier that limits opportunities for individuals and perpetuates misconceptions. Here are a few key examples of how stigma plays out in society: 

• Blame and Shame: FASD is often incorrectly perceived as a “choice” made by pregnant individuals, leading to shame and judgment. This oversimplification fails to recognize the complex social, economic, and medical factors that contribute to prenatal substance exposure. 

• Overgeneralization: There’s a tendency to define individuals with FASD solely by their diagnosis, ignoring their unique strengths and abilities. Terms like “damaged” or “hopeless” reinforce a narrative that doesn’t reflect the true potential of individuals with FASD. 

• Limited Resources: The stigma surrounding FASD can make it harder for individuals to access the services and accommodations they need in education, healthcare, and employment, as professionals may lack training or understanding of the disorder. 

Audiences 

The Language and Stigma Guide is intended for a broad audience, including: 

• Families and Caregivers: Empowering those directly impacted by FASD to advocate for themselves and others 

• Healthcare Providers: Encouraging accurate, compassionate communication that supports better care and understanding 

• Educators and Social Workers: Offering practical tools to create inclusive environments that embrace the strengths of individuals with FASD 

• General Public and Advocates: Raising awareness and encouraging responsible, informed discussions about FASD 

Chris Melfi, our Policy Coordinator who authored much of the guide’s content, says, “We are thrilled to publish this comprehensive tool that the entire community can use. Whether you want to learn about stigmatizing language or need advice on talking about a specific topic, the Language and Stigma Guide offers thoughtful suggestions grounded in living experience and research. Reflecting on the language we use can help inform the way FASD is perceived, which will raise awareness and ensure FASD’s place in broader conversations about health.”

Contact Us for More Information 

FASD United is proud to present this document as a tool and resource for anyone interested in expanding their awareness of stigmatizing language and understanding of stigma-free messaging related to FASD, Substance Use, and Individuals with Living Experience.  To learn more about how you can utilize the Language and Stigma Guide and support the mission of FASD United, please contact us.