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Language & Stigma Guide
What is the Language and Stigma Guide?
Certain key themes related to health equity, stigma reduction, inclusiveness, positive messaging, and accurate communication will be introduced and reinforced in this guide. Inherent in this approach is a focus on the living experience of the FASD community rather than centering alcohol use during pregnancy. We must promote the dignity and respect of individuals with FASD, their caretakers, and those who use alcohol during pregnancy by avoiding blame assignment or language and messaging that can perpetuate stigma and stereotypes. Supporting this approach is the use of research and fact-driven information, allowing for accurate communication and the avoidance of politicization and segmentation of the issue. Taken together, these themes place an emphasis on support rather than complete prevention and provide a message of hope rather than fatalism.
Sections of the Guide:
Preferred Language and Messaging
Use of Stigmatizing Imagery
Discussion on Stigma
Within the Preferred Language and Messaging section, there are subsections on Definitions, Individuals with Living Experience, Families and Pregnant People, and Discussing Statistics and Research and Topics to be Mindful About. The definitions provided touch on diagnostic terms, health equity, inclusivity concepts, and stigma considerations to provide a base knowledge that informs the rest of the guide and can be used for reference.
The Use of Stigmatizing Imagery section provides examples of non-preferred imagery and offers preferred imagery in its place, along with the reasoning for each inclusion. This section is meant to inform and educate on the importance of accurate media representation for people with FASD, pregnant individuals, and those in the community.
The Discussion on Stigma section provides examples of non-preferred language and offers preferred language in its place, along with the reasoning for each inclusion. This section is meant to inform and educate on the importance of accurate wording and linguistics related to those with living experience, pregnant people, and persons with substance use disorders.