Finding support for FASD and brain-based differences is difficult. We bridge the gap—connecting families with professionals who understand.
Every Person Deserves Understanding. Every Family Deserves Support.
The Center for Neurobehavioral Guidance exists because too many families are struggling alone—misunderstood by schools, underserved by healthcare systems, and exhausted from trying approaches that weren't designed for brain-based differences.
We're changing that.
As Illinois' FASD United affiliate and a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide families and professionals with the knowledge, tools, and community support needed to transform outcomes for individuals with brain-based differences like FASD.
The Gap We're Filling
Families of children with FASD and other brain-based differences report their greatest need is understanding of what FASD is, how it impacts daily life, and where to find meaningful support. Yet most parents wait years for diagnosis, endure multiple misdiagnoses, and cycle through interventions that fail because they don't address underlying brain differences.
Professionals receive little to no FASD training in their education programs, leaving them unprepared to recognize, diagnose, or effectively support this population.
The result? Families feel isolated. Children struggle unnecessarily. Professionals feel inadequate. And individuals with FASD don't receive the brain-based, trauma-informed care they need to thrive.
We exist to close this gap.
How We Work: The Neurobehavioral Model
We ground all our work in the neurodevelopmental model—a strengths-based, brain-focused approach that:
✓ Builds on abilities, not just deficits
✓ Adapts expectations to match brain capacity
✓ Recognizes trauma and its impact on development
✓ Centers relationships as the foundation of healing
✓ Honors neurodiversity while providing needed support
✓ Promotes autonomy within supportive communities
This isn't about fixing people—it's about understanding how their brains work and creating environments where they can thrive.
Our mission is to empower parents and caregivers with knowledge and community while enhancing professionals’ ability to provide compassionate, brain-based responsive care. Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming principles, we prioritize awareness, education, and meaningful connections. Our holistic approach honors the lifelong journey of those affected by fostering understanding, building positive relationships, and promoting autonomy within supportive communities. Together, we work toward stability, connection, and healthy outcomes across the lifespan.
Comprehensive Support Across the Lifespan
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS. Safe, empowering spaces to connect with others who understand your journey
CONSULTATION & GUIDANCE. Personalized, brain-based guidance for your unique challenges
RESOURCES & TOOLS. Tools, information, and referral information to support daily life and long-term planning.
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS. Evidence-based education for healthcare, education, and social service systems
REFLECTIVE CONSULTATION. Ongoing support for complex cases and skill development
COLLABORATION. Interdisciplinary teamwork for optimal client outcomes
SCHOOL CONSULTATION. Classroom strategies and accommodation planning
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Brain-based approaches that work
TEAM COLLABORATION. IEP/504 support and multidisciplinary coordination
ADVOCACY & AWARENESS. Partnering with FASD United to drive systemic change
RESOURCES. A growing online library of accessible tools, information
COMMUNITY BUILDING. Fostering networks of support and shared learning
What We Stand For
We are committed to:
- Stigma-free language and neurodiversity-affirming approaches
- Centering lived experience in everything we do
- Evidence-informed practices grounded in brain science
- Accessibility and inclusion for all families and professionals
- Collaboration over silos—connecting the ecosystem of support
- Lifelong support—from early childhood through adulthood
Connected to a Larger Movement
We proudly partner with FASD United, an organization with over 30 years of experience dedicated to raising awareness, supporting families, and bridging gaps in research, policy, and community care for individuals affected by FASD. As the Illinois affiliate of FASD United, we're part of a national network advancing FASD awareness, advocacy, and support.
We also collaborate with a wide network of organizations, professionals, and caregivers who share our commitment to improving the lives of those with brain-based differences like FASD
Whether you're a caregiver, professional, or an educator—we're here to help.
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