SEPTEMBER IS FASD AWARENESS MONTH 

September 2015 marked the first annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month. The dual purpose of the annual campaign is to increase understanding of the risks of exposure of alcohol in utero and to bring attention to the needs of children and adults living with an FASD. In its fourth year, FASD Awareness Month has expanded the establishment of International FASD Awareness Day on September 9, 1999 into a world-wide event with over 30 countries planning activities.

NCFASD Informed is focused on bringing attention to children and adults who are living with an FASD. NCFASD Informed hopes you can be involved in some of the events we have planned during September. Click on the 2018 Event Calendar link to see what we are doing to create informed communities in North Carolina. 

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FASD is not a diagnosis.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term which includes diagnoses of fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, and alcohol-related birth defects. FASD as a whole is the leading cause of developmental disabilities worldwide.  

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FASD is more common than you think.

As we noted in our first newsletter this spring, the research of Philip May (UNC), Christina Chambers, Wendy Kalberg, et al. (2018) revealed that up to 1 in 20 children in the U.S. may be impacted by prenatal exposure to alcohol. This cross-sectional study surveyed over 3,100 first-grade children in four regions of the United States between 2010 and 2016. 

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Could it be the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure?

Rarely is alcohol exposure in utero suspected. In fact, approximately 90% of those with FASD are not diagnosed properly. NCFASD Informed was launched to assist in changing this statistic.
 

During September, our events have these “take home” messages:

• There are many overlapping characteristics between FASD and other diagnoses. 
• Exposure to alcohol must be considered in evaluating individuals demonstrating various red flags: behavioral problems not responsive to therapeutic intervention; executive functioning deficits; developmental immaturity (known as dysmaturity); and sensory impairments.
• NCFASD Informed needs YOUR voice to bring attention to FASD.

Last but not least, check out our website, www.ncfasdinformed.org

The website is still in progress and expands daily. Over time, it will become a knowledge base for FASD information and resources for North Carolina. 

With Hope,

Kathy 

Kathy Hotelling, Ph.D.
Board Chair

NCFASD Informed, Inc.
kathy.hotelling@ncfasdinformed.org
 

informed is an e-newsletter from NCFASD Informed, Inc. The mission of NCFASD Informed is to create FASD informed communities in North Carolina to empower individuals impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure. The vision is to a world where individuals with FASD can thrive.

Check out our new logo at the top of the newsletter. The circle includes individuals, families, caretakers, medical and allied health professionals, key stakeholder groups, etc. around North Carolina. Informed communities will provide circles of support for children now and throughout their lifetimes.

Send comments and article suggestions to the informed editor, Eizabeth Field, M.S.: elizabeth.field@ncfasdinformed.org