The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) has two incredible video series of birth mothers and adoptive/foster parents, whose children have FASDs. They talk about their experiences, struggles, understanding, and acceptance.

These video series can be found at:

NOFAS also has tips for making daily life easier with simple and practical solutions that can be used for a variety of age groups. 

 

Birth Mothers Network-Circle of Hope

The Birth Mothers Network (BMN)-Circle of Hope was founded in 2004. The goals of the network are to mentor women who are struggling with addiction and/or have a child with FASD, and to increase public awareness and support while decreasing the stigma associated with FASDs. More information about the Birth Mothers Network can be at the Circle of Hope.

 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Exposure to prenatal alcohol effects every child differently. Similarly, every family has unique experiences, challenges, and success living with FASDs. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides numerous tools and information for family members including videos, brochures, podcasts, and articles. Below is one terrific video, which is also available as a podcast.

  • The Story of Iyal (video): this describes the story of one family living with FASDs. This video is available to download and share. There is also a script version of video. (The intention of this video is not to endorse specific interventions, just describe one family's story.)
  • The Story of Iyal (podcast): in this podcast, Iyal's mother tells her story about their family.

 

Center on Disability and Community Inclusion

  • Free reading material from The Center on Disability and Community Inclusion
  • The Person Behind the Face of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Student Experiences and Family and Professionals' Perspectives on FASD (PDF): This article describes the individual experiences of five students with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) living in Alaska. The article is based on the results of a three year qualitative study where interviews and observations were conducted with students and their family members, as well as their educational and medical professionals.  Findings of the study revealed several major themes including the person behind the face of FASD, the experiences of students in terms of competence and vulnerability, the social and cultural stigma of FASD and the anticipated trajectories that lead students toward experiences of isolation. The article concludes with recommendations about what can be done to improve the education and community life of students who have FASDs.
  • On the Spectrum: Similarities and Differences Between Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Ireland (PDF): This articles examines a qualitative study, done in Ireland, that was conducted with four students who have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and two students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Data were obtained from open ended conversations with families, educators, and other professionals. The study looked at how the process of diagnosis and eduction differed between students with FASD and ASD, the dreams and experiences of the families, and the experiences of practitioners who worked with the students in the hopes of gaining insight into educational and family support services that could benefit both students with FASD and ASD.

Resources for: