April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with an FASD has a mix of these problems.

In order to continue raising awareness about FASDs, we have posted a feature on the CDC home page. The direct link to the feature (where it will remain accessible after it is gone from CDC’s home page. It will also be available soon in Spanish at CDC en Español and will be featured in Facebook and Twitter.

FASD: From Basic Science to Clinical Practice

Watch the Video

Presentation by Michael Ybarra, MD of Georgetown University to medical students
at the Georgetown University School of Medicine.  NOFAS has offered FASD
coursework for first-year medical students at Georgetown University since 1994.

FEATURES

4th Annual Jack Mendelson Honorary Lecture

Leading FASD expert Dr. Edward Riley will deliver the 4th Annual Jack Mendelson
Honorary Lecture on April 19, 2012 in Bethesda, Maryland. NIAAA has established
this lecture series to “highlight clinical/human research in the alcohol field
by featuring an outstanding investigator who has made significant and long-term
contributions to our understanding of alcoholism susceptibility, alcohol’s
effects on the brain and other organs, and the prevention and treatment of
alcohol use disorders.”
Event, NIAAA, April 7, 2012

Kennedy and Ramstadt to Hold Field Hearings on Why Parity is Still Not Working

Former Congressmen Patrick Kennedy and Jim Ramstadt will host a series of
hearings across the U.S. to discover how the lack of enforcement of the Mental
Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act of 2008 is affecting treatment
facilities and patients.
Article, Floridians for Recovery, April 6, 2012

America’s Sex Trafficking Victims

How a vulnerable young woman with FAS named “Lisa” became the victim of sex
trafficking.
Article, New York Times, April 5, 2012

Pregnant Pause Baby Fair to Prevent Developmental Disabilities

The Family Resource Network of New Jersey will host its annual Pregnant Pause
Baby Fair on April 22nd to celebrate healthy pregnancies and raise awareness of
FASD.
Article, Asbury Park Press, April 5, 2012

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Chicago Tribune reporter, Bonnie Miller Rubin, recently sat down with Diane
Malbin, founder of NOFAS Oregon affiliate, FASCETS, to discuss the misunderstood
disorder of FASD.
Article/Interview, Chicago Tribune, April 4, 2012

Bill letting judges consider FASD passes Senate

Alaska’s SB151 bill on including FASD as a mitigating factor in sentencing has
unanimously passed in the Alaska Senate.
Article, New England Cable News, April 4, 2012

Local groups hold Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder youth essay contest

The Youth Advisory Committee of the Phoenix Foundation (Y-SHIFT) and the Baby’s
Best Chance program of Grand Forks, Canada are holding an essay contest to
create awareness of FASD.
Article, Grand Forks Gazette, April 4, 2012

Misinformation persists about drinking during pregnancy

Each year an estimated 8,500 Minnesota babies are born with FASD and more needs
to be done to prevent this costly disorder.
Article, Brainerd Dispatch, April 3, 2012

Congress takes on fetal alcohol exposure

Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Mark Begich (D-AK) join Senators Tim Johnson
(D-SD) and Daniel Inouye (D-HI) to push forward the Advancing FASD Research,
Prevention, and Services Act. This act would authorize funds through 2017 for
essential research, education, and surveillance to prevent FASD and assist those
living with the disorder.
Article, Alaska Dispatch, April 2, 2012

Women and Alcohol

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recently
developed the new “Women and Alcohol” website with helpful information and
resources including an iPhone application for screening, brief intervention and
referral to treatment.
Website, ACOG, April 2012

Vote for Chancer for the 2012 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards!

Vote for FASD service dog, Chancer, for the 2012 Hero Dog Awards.  Chancer is a
golden retriever owned by Iyal Winokur, a young man with FASD.
Contest, Hero Dog Awards, April 2012

FASD Ribbons Available from DRT Press

In an effort to raise awareness of FASD, Adrienne Bashista, whose son has FASD,
is selling FASD ribbon bumper magnets. The proceeds will go toward developing
more FASD awareness materials and funding a parent training.
Blog, DRT Press, April 2012

NOFAS

Dr. Yasmin Senturias – FASD Clinic Director

Watch the Video

Dr. Yasmin Senturias, FASD Clinic Director
NOFAS’ Kathy Mitchell sits down with Dr. Yasmin Senturias of the FASD Diagnostic
Center at the University of Louisville’s Weisskopf Child Evaluation Center.  Dr.
Senturias discusses her work with the CDC FASD Regional Training Centers (RTCs)
and issues surrounding FASD diagnosis.

FEATURES

Alaska Senators Introduce Bill to Advance Research in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorders

Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Begich (D-AK), Tim Johnson (D-SD) and
Daniel Inouye (D-HI) recently introduced The Advancing FASD Research,
Prevention, and Services Act to prevent FASD expand the reach of services to
those affected by the disorder.
Press Release, Murkowski.senate.gov, March 30, 2012

United Way shows effect of drinking, drugs on babies

Margaret O’Neal, Executive Director of the United Way of Southern West Virginia,
recently visited Liberty High School in Glen Daniel, WV to teach students about
FASD and alcohol and drug use during pregnancy.
Article, The Register Herald, March 29, 2012

‘Rez Life’ Is a Humane, Grim and Hopeful Portrait of Today’s American Indians

Author David Treuer talks about growing up on the Leech Lake Reservation in
Northern Minnesota in his new book, Rez Life.
Article, PopMatters, March 29, 2012

Europeans are world’s heaviest drinkers: WHO report

The World Health Organization reports that Europeans drink more alcohol than any
other culture in the world.
Article, Reuters.com, March 27, 2012

Computer-Based Treatment Eases Anxiety Symptoms in Children

Researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel have found that a computer-based
training method using dots helps children with anxiety ease their symptoms.
Study, National Institute of Mental Health, March 2012

Why can’t parents get an IEP?

Terry Quinn shares her frustration of trying to get an Individualized Education
Program (IEP) for her children with FASD.
Blog, Parenting FASD Kids, 2012

NOFAS Now – March 2012 from Andrew Kachor on Vimeo.

NOFAS Now – March 2012
Watch the premiere episode of the new NOFAS program, NOFAS Now.  Tom Donaldson and Kathy Mitchell bring you the latest news on FASD, featuring interviews with Dr. Ken Warren, Acting Director of NIAAA, and Dr. Edward Riley, Director of the Center for Behavioral Teratology at San Diego State University.  This episode also features conversations on FASD and the criminal justice system, new Congressional legislation on FASD, and the ongoing efforts to gain wider recognition of Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).

FEATURES

Best to tackle FASD at its roots
The key to preventing FASD lies in helping pregnant women who are in need of support to stop drinking.
Article, The Star Phoenix, March 26, 2012
Mother’s drug, alcohol use can hurt infants

Shirley King, Vice President of the Allegany County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association and adoptive mom of a child with an FASD, talks about how alcohol exposed pregnancies can affect children for a lifetime.

Article, Cumberland Times-News, March 25, 2012

Alaska Native leaders address fetal alcohol syndrome
Alaska Native leaders gathered together plan new strategies to address FASD in Alaska and in Native communities.
Article, The News Tribune, March 23, 2012

When The Bus Stops Coming: Special Education Students Face Life after Graduation
Pam Spiering and her 22-year-old son with FAS, Jamie, struggle with the lack of services for adults with special needs.  Together with the Loudoun County Public Schools Parent Resource Center, they will host the When the Bus Stops Coming event to help families navigate the difficult system of adult disability care.
Article, Leesburg Today, March 22, 2012

Kids dying because of drinking: experts
The Alcohol Action conference was recently held in New Zealand to discuss the impact that alcohol has on unborn children.
Article, Otago Daily Times, March 22, 2012

CASA members learn about disorder symptoms
Members of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County (CASA) were recently presented an overview of FASD from Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender, William Edwards.
Article, Daily Pilot, March 22, 2012

Michael W. Miller Responds to New Study on In Utero Alcohol Exposure, Urges Caution in Reading Data
Michael W. Miller, a renowned researcher and neuroscientist, urges caution in interpreting data from the recent study on cocaine and marijuana use during pregnancy.  Use of these or any drugs can be harmful to a growing fetus.
Article, MarketWatch, March 22, 2012

Researchers take a closer look at Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Leading FASD researcher, Dr. Philip May, discusses how he began his work in the FASD field and talks about his current research on nutrition and FASD.
Article, Salisbury Post, March 21, 2012

Donnie Kanter Winokur is ‘Empowered by Paws’
FASD Mom and former Director of NOFAS Georgia, Donnie Kanter Winokur, talks about her new organization and book.
Article, Patch.com, March 18, 2012

NOFAS

Edward Riley, Ph.D. – FASD Expert

Watch the Video

Interview with Edward Riley, Ph.D. – FASD Expert
NOFAS President, Tom Donaldson and Vice President, Kathy Mitchell sit down with
Dr. Edward Riley to discuss the latest FASD research in brain imaging
techniques, animal models, and behavioral studies.  Dr. Riley is the Director of
the Center for Behavioral Teratology at San Diego State University.

Metropolitan Washington FASD Parent Support Group Meeting – TOMORROW
NOFAS will be hosting a parent support group meeting tomorrow, March 13 from
7-8:30pm at Holy Cross Hospital, Professional Community Education Center – Room
AUD D in Silver Spring, Maryland.  If you wish to attend, please RSVP by today
to montgomery@nofas.org <mailto:montgomery@nofas.org> .

FEATURES

Register now for NTI Upstream Webinar, Controversies in Diagnosis of Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Implications for DSM-V <http://nofas.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0c4e3277b83599d7092769953&id=f4ba3eed81&e=ad44716d8a>

Join leading FASD expert, Dr. Ira Chasnoff on March 21st for the webinar,
Controversies in Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Implications for
DSM-V.
Webinar, NTI Upstream, March 2012

NACoA President and CEO Sis Wenger Announces Retirement Plans

Sis Wenger, President and CEO of the National Association for Children of
Alcoholics (NACoA), has announced her plans to retire in late 2012.
Article, JoinTogether.org, March 8, 2012

Beer sales drop in Nebraska border town blamed for South Dakota reservation’s
alcohol problems

One in four children born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation suffer from FASD.
Article, Washington Post, March 8, 2012

Fetal Cocaine Exposure May Not Affect Kids’ Academics: Study

A recent study has found that fetal exposure to cocaine, tobacco or marijuana
does not affect the academic ability of children.
Article, U.S. News, March 7, 2012

Wauwatosa East students pledge to end the “R” word

Author and gold medal Special Olympian, Cindy Bentley shared her story of living
with FASD at  Wauwatosa East High School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.  The students
have pledged to end the use of the “R” word in their school system.
Article/Video, Fox 6 – Milwaukee, March 7, 2012

First ever New Zealand conference on alcohol damage to children

New Zealand will host its first ever conference on FASD on March 22nd in
Wellington.
Article, Voxy.co.nz, March 7, 2012

f

The Centers for Disease Control Grand Rounds Series is presenting “Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use: What Public Health Can Do on March 20 at 1pm Eastern. A Free live external webcast will be available.  Presentations are archived and posted 48 hours after each session. .

Excessive alcohol use, including underage drinking and binge drinking (drinking five or more drinks during a single occasion for men or four or more drinks during a single occasion for women), is responsible for 80,000 deaths and 2.3 million years of potential life lost in the United States each year, and cost the United States $223.5 billion in 2006 or about $1.90 per drink.

Please consider attending this powerful session of Grand Rounds where the presenters will explore the public health impact of excessive alcohol use and evidence-based strategies to prevent it, with specific attention to the role that state and local public health agencies can play in addressing this important public health problem.

Please click this link for more information about the upcoming presentation Excessive Alcohol Use: What Public Health Can Do.

National & State Resource Directory
Find an FASD resource in your area.

NOFAS

The Circle of Hope Birth Mothers Network – Welcome

NOFAS Vice-President, Kathy Mitchell discusses the Circle of Hope/Birth Mother’s
Network, a resource for recovery, healing and community building.  She reveals
her personal story and talks about how meeting other birth mothers of children
with FASD has changed her life.

NOFAS welcomes the Allen family to the FASD Hall of Fame

NOFAS welcomes the newest members of the Tom and Linda Daschle FASD Hall of
Fame, the Allen Family of Maryland.

The Tom and Linda Daschle FASD Hall of Fame honors those extraordinary
indviduals, families and experts that are making a difference in the world of
FASD.  If you know of someone that is deserving of this honor and you would like
to nominate them, please contact NOFAS Program Manager, Brianna Montgomery at
montgomery@nofas.org <mailto:montgomery@nofas.org> .

Get to Know Me: My Life with FASD Interview with Erin D.
Erin D. of Michigan shares about her life with FASD and her passion for beading.

FEATURES

New Resources Available from the American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists (ACOG)

ACOG has launched a new website containing helpful resources on screening and
brief intervention, tips for working with women who drink, and more.
Website, ACOG, March 2012

Alcohol syndrome caregivers form bond

Mary Ann Banks, an adoptive parent of two children with FASD, recently started
FASD Indiana, a support organization for parents in Indiana.
Article, Journal Gazette, March 4, 2012

New approach to an old Alaska alcohol problem

A proposal before the Alaska legislature would add FASD to the list of disorders
that judges can consider as a mitigating factor.
Article, New England Cable News, March 3, 2012

New fetal alcohol disorder centre set for Moncton

The government of New Brunswick, Canada is developing a center to assist
individuals with FASD.
Article, CBC News, February 28, 2012

University of Arizona initiative supports mothers, children through residential
treatment

With the help of SAMHSA, the University of Arizona’s Southwest Institute for
Research on Women is starting up a program to support working mothers and their
children through a residential substance abuse treatment program.
Article, AddictionProfessional.com, March 2012

FASD: Finding Hope

This informative website features the FASD documentary, Finding Hope. This
Canadian documentary highlights the lives of individuals with FASD and their
families along with commentary from field experts.
Website, Finding Hope, March 2012