Episode 185 - What Foster & Adoptive Parents Need to Know About FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)

An unborn baby’s exposure to alcohol in the womb is the leading cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities in the U.S. The disabilities caused by such exposure fall under the umbrella of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). While it can be assumed when adopting internationally, especially from Eastern Europe, that a child could most likely have FASD what may be surprising is that 70% of children in the U.S. foster care system have FASD.

September is FASD Awareness Month and the topic of the 9/16/19 Orphans No More podcast with guest, Natalie Vecchione. Natalie and her husband are adoptive parents of 2 children, one diagnosed with FASD. She is also a board member and social media coordinator for NCFASD, a North Caroline based nonprofit creating FASD informed communities.

In addition to this informative podcast episode, below please find several links to more resources pertaining to FASD:

Not Exactly As Planned - Book

Trying Differently Rather Than Harder - Book

Phillip May UNC Study

Lack of Resources Article

NOFAS

Affiliates for NOFAS in NY

50 FAS Facts

Center for Health Article