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 can affect almost any part of the body and nearly 120,000 babies are affected by birth defects each year (CDC).

As we know, no two people with FASD are alike, and birth defects manifest themselves uniquely in each person born with one. Some may be visible, but others are hidden and require testing or thorough examination to obtain a diagnosis. The CDC states that the well-being of each child affected with a birth defect depends mostly on which organ or body part is involved and how much it is affected. There is a wide range of the kinds of birth defects and also how they are caused. With FASD, consuming alcohol during pregnancy is what leads to the impairment.

Being born with an FASD may lead to other symptomatology such as hyperactivity, lessened memory function, delays in speech, or even issues with vision and hearing. Each child born with FASD, and any other birth defect, deserves their individual behaviors to be respected and supported. It is important that we as a society become informed on the different kinds of birth defects, how they may commonly manifest, and how we can help educate others. People with birth defects have a unique perspective to offer in a wide array of spaces that can promote inclusivity and kindness.

Learn more about birth defects by clicking here.

Talk to someone confidentially and freely about FASD by clicking here.