Seeking to reduce alcohol - exposed pregnancies and promote successful outcomes for affected individuals and families
Welcome to the Alaska Center for FASD website!
We are happy to have you visit and hope that you find information that helps you learn more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Whether you are a person who experiences an FASD, provide care to someone who lives with it, are interested in prevention, or are just curious we have something here for everyone.
FASD is a common condition that is usually not visible to others and is often unrecognized by health and other professionals. FASD is not a diagnosis but rather an umbrella term to describe a range of physical and cognitive impairments. It is often not evident at birth and shows up gradually over time as difficulties with emotional regulation, attention, memory & learning, social interactions, and behavior.
Many people who experience an FASD do not know it and believe that their difficulties are their fault or that they are ‘stupid’. Neither is true and our self-advocates want you to know that you are not alone and there is help…stories and support matter.
A quality diagnosis can provide the ‘roadmap’ for how a brain was built and how it works differently. We know that support and environment changes called accommodations can help someone who needs to learn and move through the world differently.
We all have strengths and gifts to share and individuals who experience an FASD are no different. We embrace the differences and want those who work with individuals who experience an FASD to do the same. May we all learn and grow together… the world is conducting research and learning more about how to help and prevent FASD. Join us on the journey of being catalysts for shifting to FASD-informed communities!
We Believe . . .
What is FASD-informed care?
Ideas for Celebrating Without Alcohol