RESOURCES
Children with FASD have neurodevelopmental disabilities, which often manifest as unwanted behaviors; understanding the underlying source of behaviors can also help understand unmet needs and identify appropriate accommodations. Shifting the focus to positive, preventative strategies, as opposed to reactive/interventions, will ultimately improve an individual's well-being, relationships, and overall life trajectory.
There is a general lack of awareness and knowledge of FASD results in misconceptions, stigmas, and lack of understanding FASDs. For individuals and families with FASD, the pervasive lack of knowledge contributes to systemic level barriers preventing access to diagnostics, informed providers, appropriate interventions, services, supports, and resources.
Although FASDs affect up to 1 in 20 individuals, many professionals are unfamiliar with the disability which results in difficulting finding essential services. The following FASD or trauma-informed resources and organizations may be helpful for individuals and families affected by FASDs.
HELPFUL INTERVENTIONS & SERVICES
For caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental differences, supportive and collaborative services can improve understanding, communication, and the whole family’s well-being. Parents, caregivers, professionals, schools, and community members who have individuals with FASD in their lives all benefit from understanding the impact alcohol has on the brain and how we can provide the needed support.
EVALUATION & DIAGNOSIS SERVICES
FASD is often misdiagnosed resulting in ineffective intervention and management. Appropriate therapy and accommodations are dependent on a correct diagnosis that identifies how the brain is operating.
- CHILDREN'S RESEARCH TRIANGLE (Chicago, IL ) Medical, Psychological, Developmental Evaluations + Clinical Services
- FLORISSA CENTER (Dixon, IL) Evaluation, Diagnosis, & Treatment Services
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Therapeutic approaches that include multisensory experiences are typically more effective than talk therapy. A neurodivergent-affirming therapist who is FASD-informed/brain-based informed will consider the neurological and physiological factors that influence thinking, emotions, and behavior and integrate therapies to more effectively meet the needs of the individual. Using the neurobehavioral model is best-practice for those with FASD.
MEDICAL & PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
- Medications CanFASD's medication algorithm is a treatment recommendation for psychotropic medications for FASD/ND-PAE.
- Dr. TOOD OCHS (Chicago, IL) Physician specializing in FASD
- AARTS Resource Directory Rush's online resource guide to help families with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities find wide range service and support referrals in the following counties: Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Kankakee.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
OT focuses on the central nervous system and can be beneficial for individuals who have sensory processing and integration issues. OT may be helpful for overall regulation, and improving focus and attention.
SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY
S/L encompasses an individual's ability to communicate - from articulation, fluency, expressive/receptive language, pragmatics, and social competencies. Many individuals with FASD appear to have "good" language skills, yet often can have language deficits that result in difficulty with social communication and adaptive functioning.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Many students living with FASD benefit from Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for educational support. Tutors, Educational Advocates, Special Education Attorneys can be helpful.
RECREATION
Camps and other activities that support children with developmental disabilities.
- FASDCAMP (Chicago, IL) CAMP provides children with FASD a positive and safe environment in which to build skills that will assist them in everyday life
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
The Family Support Program (FSP) provides access to intensive mental health services and supports to youth with a severe emotional disturbance.
HOME & COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES
A waiver is a program that provides services that allow individuals to remain in their own homes or live in a community setting, instead of in an institution.
FASD INFORMED ORGANIZATIONS
FASD COLLABORATIVE A cross-organization international initiative to increase high-quality support and training options for the FASD community.
FASD UNITED Leading voice and resource of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) community
FASD UNITED FAMILY NAVIGATOR provides individuals living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), their family members, caregivers and supporters with expert, confidential support and referrals
RED SHOES ROCK Building FASD Awareness Through Grassroots Efforts
PROOF ALLIANCE A comprehensive site dedicated to providing families and professionals with a vast amount of resources and information on FASD
FASCETS Consultation, Education +Training Services
FAFASD (Families Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Education +Training Services
FAMILIES MOVING FORWARD A treatment intervention for the families of children with FASD
PATRICIA KASPER TRAINING SERVICES FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model Training & Trauma Related Services
EILEEN DEVINE Neurobehavioral Support Coach for Parents
OREGON BEHAVIOR CONSULTATION & COGNITIVE SUPPORTS With NATE SHEETS Behavioral Consultant
DAVID BOULDING Consultant, Fetal Alcohol & The Law
CANFASD National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network
NTIUPSTREAM Resources that focus on the healthy development of children and their families
COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE on FASD Coordinates Multidisciplinary research projects with the goal of developing effective interventions and treatment for FASD
RESEARCH & RESOURCES
UNDERSTANDING FASD National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
EDUCATION ADVOCACY TOOLS via Proof Alliance's (NOFAS Affiliate)
CANFASD MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE & PRACTICE GUIDE
UNDERSTANDING FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER: Comprehensive Guide for Prek-8th Grade via Duke University
9 CORE MESSAGES Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
FASD EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES HANDBOOK via University of South Dakota
CURRENT STRATEGIES & EDUCATIONAL SUPPORTS FOR STUDENTS WITH FASD
ALTERNATIVES TO RESTRAINT & SECLUSION via Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint
ALLIANCE AGAINST SECLUSION & RESTRAINTS
FASD TOOLKIT FOR PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE CLINICIANS
FASD and INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
STIGMA, DISCRIMINATION, & FASD
STRENGTH AMOUNT INDIVIDUALS WITH FASD
PREGNANT?
All major medical associations advise there is No known safe amount, type, or time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Eight Magic Keys for Developing Successful Interventions for Students with FASD
Understanding how students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders learn, and 8 tools for developing strategies best to support their learning needs.
FASD Awareness
View the short film commissioned by UK's FASD Awareness to learn more about the potential effects to an unborn baby when prenatally exposed to alcohol. The film explores how alcohol affects the developing fetus, brain development, gene expression, affects cell migration, and can inhibit growth.
This site is intended to provide information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The content found on the website is not intended to recommend, replace, or serve as a substitution for professional medical, psychological, legal, or educational advice, recommendations, diagnosis, treatment, medication, therapies, or counsel. References and resources to specific organizations do not constitute endorsement by this site.
As a reminder, medical or mental health concerns should be discussed with a licensed professional. If you or someone with you is in immediate danger, please contact 911.