FASD United is proud to share a collection of video recordings from the 9th International Research Conference on FASD, held in Seattle, Washington in March 2025. Recordings cover a range of important topics in the FASD field presented at main plenary sessions, including the role of paternal drinking to a pregnancy, lifestyle factors and FASD, the use of diagnostic language, and how FASD presents at midlife. Video recordings of these presentations can be viewed on this page, below, and on FASD United’s YouTube channel. Slides for some presentations and supplementary materials are available under 2025 Conference Materials.
Several powerful self-advocates are shown sharing their personal stories utilizing a strength-based approach. Leading FASD researchers present their latest scientific findings. We hope these videos prove valuable to conference attendees who wish to revisit highlights, as well as provide the larger FASD community with the opportunity to hear from some of the leaders in the field.
Embodying the principle of “nothing about us without us,” presentations by self-advocates include a talk by Laura Bousquet, FASD United Family Navigator and advocate from Texas, who talks about exploring possibilities for thriving with FASD. Carl Young, a member of the FASD United Affiliate Network as Executive Director of Family Services Network, Inc. in North Dakota talks about his personal journey getting a diagnosis late in life and living with serious physical health impacts of FASD. Patima Sing-Eisen, a young self-advocate from California, talks about her diagnosis and ongoing challenges in being understood by professionals and systems of care.
Dr. Michael C. Golding presents new compelling research about paternal drinking and challenges our misconceptions, assumptions, and bias regarding the role of pregnant women when it comes to FASD. Dr. Golding discusses his findings on the effects of paternal alcohol use and the epigenetic influences on child health, specifically on mitochondrial function. His research now reveals that paternal alcohol use is “a plausible driver of multiple adverse developmental outcomes, including those associated with FASD.”
Dr. Susan Stoner talks about FASD at mid-life, expanding our understanding of a condition that is still often considered in the limited context of childhood. Dr. Stoner shares her research on mental health and substance use in adults with FASD and “recognizes areas where middle-aged adults with FASD show similarities and/or strengths compared to their peers without FASD.” This presentation is well complemented by the video of Carl Young, illustrating how these multiple videos give an opportunity to spark conversations and discussion.
The session “FASD: What’s in a Name?” is a lively, thoughtful exploration of the implications of a recent article that recommended changes to FASD diagnosis, sparking much discussion and conversation in the FASD community. Prof. Elizabeth Elliott from Australia presents a compelling perspective on the issues raised, touching on language, stigma, and culture, while a roundtable of advocates and professionals make insightful points drawn from their personal experience.
Two FASD experts, Dr. Jeffrey Wozniak and Dr. Blake Gimbel, talk about modifiable lifestyle factors (nutrition, sleep, and exercise) as crucial in supporting brain development. Offering tangible strategies and a path towards hope and healing for families, the presentation features new research on “interventions that harness changeable factors, with considerable potential for optimizing functioning in individuals with FASD.”
Many leading FASD experts take part in a 2-part symposium featuring the work of the Collaborative Initiative on FASD (CIFASD). We are fortunate to hear from many distinguished and renowned experts, including Dr. Edward Riley, Dr. Claire D. Coles, Dr. Christie L. M. Petrenko, Dr. Jeffrey Wozniak, and others. Part I of the symposium features presentations on major topics like biomarkers of alcohol exposure and brain imaging tools. Part II includes discussion of 3D imaging, transcranial stimulation as an effective intervention, and expanding access to care through smartphone applications.
Each of the video presentations feature a true depth of knowledge and firsthand experience. Many of the presentations include questions from attendees, giving the experts the opportunity to hear directly from the community and to engage in conversation.
Taken as a whole, these recorded presentations provide a great education on the latest emerging research on FASD and PAE and the real-world impact of this research on families and individuals. We hope these videos inspire, educate, and motivate the FASD community, including advocates, researchers, clinicians, and leaders across disciplines. The presentations demonstrate the continued need for action to support future research and to take steps to improve outcomes for the FASD community.
The playlist of the conference videos is available on YouTube here.
The following is a full list of video recordings:
Nothing About Us Without Us: Self-Advocates:
Laura Bousquet:
Carl Young:
Patima Sing-Eisen:
The Collaborative Initiative on FASD (CIFASD) Symposium: Part I:
The Collaborative Initiative on FASD (CIFASD) Symposium: Part II:
Paternal Drinking and the Epigenetic Influences on FASD:
Modifiable Lifestyle Factors to Support Neurodevelopment in FASD:
FASD at Mid-Life: What Have We Learned?
FASD: What’s in a Name?