WHY WE EXIST
WHY WE EXIST
Parents of children with FASD navigate a system that wasn't built for them—watching traditional strategies fail, enduring years of misdiagnosis, and being told their child is choosing behaviors that are actually neurological differences beyond their control.
Most mental health, medical, and education professionals receive zero training on FASD, despite it affecting 1 in 20 people. The result: behavior plans that backfire, interventions that miss the mark, and families who feel blamed rather than supported. Children internalize shame for differences they can't control. Individuals with FASD cycle through failed systems that could have served them better with the right understanding.
The Center exists to help close this gap.
Families get accurate information, practical strategies, and community — not judgment
Professionals gain specialized training to recognize FASD and respond to brain-based differences
Communities learn to treat FASD as a disability requiring accommodation, not a behavior problem requiring punishment
HOW WE WORK
WHY WE EXIST
Our work is grounded in The Neurobehavioral Model—a strengths-based, brain-focused framework that:
Builds on abilities, not just deficits
Adapts expectations to match brain capacity, rather than demanding individuals "try harder"
Honors neurodiversity while ensuring access to meaningful accommodations
Recognizes trauma's impact on development and intervenes with safety and compassion
Centers relationships, autonomy, and connection as the foundation of all support.
Elevates the voices of individuals with FASD and their families in everything we do
We empower families with knowledge and community while equipping professionals to provide compassionate, brain-based care—across systems, across the lifespan, and rooted in evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming practice.
CONNECTED TO A LARGER MOVEMENT
CONNECTED TO A LARGER MOVEMENT
The Center for Neurobehavioral Guidance is proud to serve as Illinois's affiliate of FASD United, the national organization dedicated to preventing FASD and supporting individuals and families affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. As an FASD United Illinois Affiliate, 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.
