National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and supporting individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and other Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The organization was founded in 1990 by Elizabeth Elting and Tom Donaldson, with the help of Ann Streissguth and Ted Kempton. It works closely with other organizations, such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to address the issues surrounding FASD.

● History

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was established in response to the growing concern about the effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on fetal development, as highlighted by researchers such as Donald Medeiros and Christine Loock. The organization's early work was influenced by the findings of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine, which emphasized the need for increased awareness and education about FASD. Since its inception, the organization has worked with notable figures, including Katherine Lyon, Ira Chasnoff, and Edward Riley, to advance the understanding and prevention of FASD. The organization has also collaborated with other groups, such as the March of Dimes, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), to promote FASD prevention and support.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is to prevent FASD and support individuals and families affected by FASD, as outlined by Jody Allen Crowe and Kathy Mitchell. The organization's objectives include increasing awareness about the risks of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, promoting Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders prevention, and providing support and resources to individuals and families affected by FASD, in partnership with organizations such as the National Organization on Rare Disorders (NORD) and the Genetic Alliance. The organization also aims to advance research on FASD, as highlighted by the work of Philip May and Julie Kable, and to inform public policy on FASD prevention and support, with the help of The Arc and the Autism Society.

● Programs_and_Services

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome offers a range of programs and services to support individuals and families affected by FASD, including the FASD Diagnostic Clinic and the FASD Support Group Network. The organization also provides educational resources and materials, such as the FASD Prevention Toolkit and the FASD Fact Sheet, developed in collaboration with experts like Christine Peterson and Larry Burd. Additionally, the organization offers training and technical assistance to healthcare providers, educators, and social service professionals, as part of the FASD Training and Technical Assistance Program, which has been supported by organizations such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

● Advocacy_and_Policy

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a leading advocate for FASD prevention and support, working closely with organizations such as the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF). The organization has played a key role in shaping public policy on FASD, including the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevention Act and the Combating Autism Act, with the support of lawmakers like Senator Tom Harkin and Representative Patrick Kennedy. The organization also works to increase awareness about FASD among policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public, in partnership with groups like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

● Research_and_Education

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is committed to advancing research on FASD, in collaboration with institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Washington, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The organization supports research on the causes, consequences, and prevention of FASD, as well as the development of effective interventions and treatments, with the help of researchers like Sarah Mattson and Kevin Moore. The organization also provides educational resources and materials on FASD, including the FASD Prevention Curriculum and the FASD Diagnostic Manual, developed in partnership with experts like Edward P. Riley and Sandra W. Jacobson.

● Awareness_and_Outreach

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome works to increase awareness about FASD through a range of outreach and awareness activities, including the FASD Awareness Month campaign and the FASD Prevention Week event, which have been supported by organizations such as the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the American Medical Association (AMA). The organization also partners with other groups, such as the March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics, to promote FASD prevention and support, and to reduce the stigma associated with FASD, with the help of advocates like Katherine McLaughlin and Jennie Byrne. Additionally, the organization provides resources and support to individuals and families affected by FASD, including the FASD Support Group Network and the FASD Online Community, which have been developed in collaboration with experts like Ann Streissguth and Ted Kempton.

Category:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders