I'm an attorney practicing in North Carolina. I attended a conference hosted by this organization and learned so much about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and how my clients may be affected by FASD. The organization also recently consulted with me on a case and provided a wealth of information in order to help me effectively represent my client. I'm so glad they are spreading awareness and providing support to individuals affected.
I have been able to contact NCFASD Informed on several occasions to find local resources for our two FASD affected children. :)
I attended a full day conference as a social worker and I was shocked to learn just how common this invisible diagnosis is...especially in individuals involved with CPS! Dr. Hotelling has been a tremendous help and advocate, whether it is through spreading the word to the public about FASD or partnering with organizations. This Non-profit has benefitted many of my families in my professional life and I am excited to see what comes next!
I have partnered with NCFASD Informed through a variety of venues. This organizations leadership is very knowledgeable and resourceful. NCFASD Informed is family and child/youth focused. I would recommend this organization to any family who is needing assistance and resources.
We are gaining momentum in raising awareness of FASD in North Carolina. Within months, we offered a day long workshop for parents and professionals. We have had a day long workshop targeting legal and social work professionals to help them understand how many individuals they come in contact with that potentially have an FASD. We have produced webinars and have expanded our reach through these and podcasts. We are on our way!!
It has only been recently that this diagnosis (FASD) has been featured prominently in my work- I am part of the prevention side of FASD and even that is new to those of us in the I/DD world. I can tell you that it is CRITICAL to talk about supporting families with this diagnosis and there is very little out there. NCFASD Informed is one of a kind in NC, and we will need to collaborate as much as possible in the coming years. Our work must dovetail in order to both prevent the disorder (which is possible!) and support families who are living with it every day.
One in 20 children has FASD, according to Philip May, UNC. And only 10% are diagnosed. I am fortunate to know a young woman who has FASD, and she has been enormously helped by the research and spread of information that this group is working with. These people cannot be cured, but can be helped, and the NCFASD Informed group is working tirelessly to disseminate information to parents, teachers, and others. My young friend is getting much of the help she needs, but many other children are not, as we need more funds to help us.
NCFASD Informed is a leader among state organizations that educate about and advocate for persons and families affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). They bring the top thought leaders to North Carolina for training sessions that combine current research with practical tools and resources. When Covid hit, they quickly pivoted to offer a world-class podcast series of the most compelling voices in the field, from doctors to parent-advocates. Although they focus on North Carolina, NCFASD Informed's effective use of technology and social media expands their reach and influence far beyond the state.