WHAT IS FASD?

What is FASD?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of mild to severe effects on the brain and body, (commonly misunderstood) as a direct result of exposure to alcohol in utero.

The FASD(s) include Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), pFAS (partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), ARND (Alcohol Related Neurobehavioral Disorder), and FAE (Fetal Alcohol Effects.

reference: https://depts.washington.edu/fasdpn/htmls/fasd-fas.htm

FASD facts:

Several studies over the last 50 years have been conducted that conclude there is no safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy for the developing child. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html

A study done in 2018 shows FASD’s prevalence to be 5% (1 in 20).

The CDC states that 1 in 7 women admit to drinking alcohol during pregnancy (14% of the US population).

Nearly 9 out of 10 times (86.5%) of people with an FASD are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed (like, ASD, ADHD, Learning Disorders).

FASD is the most prevalent developmental disability in the world. It occurs in families across all races, religions, and socio-economic statuses. And it’s widely misunderstood.

FASD is primarily an invisible disability.

Because alcohol in utero causes structural, developmental, and even cellular changes in the brain (and body), most people with an FASD have only behavioral symptoms and far less physical traits. 

Healthy environments and life-long support are critical for those with FASD.

Source: Families Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and the CDC.