The Arc: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include physical, behavioral, mental and/ or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. It is identified by abnormal facial features, central nervous system problems and slowness of growth, and occurs when pregnant women drink alcohol and pass the alcohol along to their unborn babies through the blood stream. FASD can cause physical and mental disabilities of varying levels of severity (including intellectual disability).
CDC: FASD Training & Education
Parents, caregivers, school staff, and others who are with children with FASDs every day can benefit from learning more about FASDs, how they affect the child, strategies for working with the child to best enable him or her to meet his or her full potential, and how to locate appropriate services for the affected child and his or her family.
Families Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Families Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (F.A.F.A.S.D) seeks to spread information, awareness, and hope for caregivers of people with FASD. Fact: the most effective intervention for a person with FASD is a supported, educated family and/or caregiving team. FAFASD is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Families Moving Forward Program
Children and adults with FASD often encounter a world that is not well equipped to meet their unique strengths and challenges. People with FASD have brain-based disabilities. However, people often do not see these disabilities and misinterpret them as “willful,” “bad,” and “lazy” behavior. Inappropriate punishments are typically used and people with FASD are left feeling misunderstood, confused, and frustrated. People with FASD try to cope with these difficult feelings, but do not always know how to do so. Unfortunately, poor coping can lead to bigger problems, called secondary conditions. Secondary conditions include mental health problems, trouble with the law, school disruptions, and substance abuse.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
The FASD Center is a federal initiative devoted to preventing and treating FASD. This Web site provides information and resources about FASD.
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
NOFAS strives to prevent alcohol use during pregnancy and supports individuals and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Playing to Our Strengths: A Community Improv Toolkit
This socially-engaged project lead by Dr. Rebecca Caines and Dr. Michelle Stewart blends art-based research methods with applied social sciences to better understand disability and social isolation. For example, when looking at Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the project focuses on the difficulties and opportunities inherent in this complex disability, whilst holding enormous creative potential.