Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Where to start:

• Check out the following Creating a Family radio shows:
  
  • Practical Guide to Raising Kids with FASD or Drug Exposure (Listen Now)
  • Talking with Your Kids about the Hard Issues with Adoption (Rape, Drugs, Prison, Corruption, Etc.) (Listen Now)
  • Raising a Child Exposed to Alcohol or Drugs Prenatally (Listen Now)
  • Raising a Child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Drug Exposure (Listen Now)
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Listen Now)
  • Health Issues with Internationally Adopted Children

Information and Resources on FASD:

• The F.A.S. Family Resource Institute is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to identify, understand and care for each person with FASD. This website is chock-full of resources for parents, including a newsletter, brochures, and info on the best practices in care of FASD.
• There is a fetal alcohol and drug research unit at the University of Washington School of Medicine. It's main goals are to conduct research on fetal alcohol and drug effects across the life span, to disseminate information on fetal alcohol and drug effects, to provide consultation for persons of any age thought to be affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol.

• NTI Upstream publishes two booklets on prenatal exposure to alcohol and other drugs that may be of interest to prospective adoptive parents.

  • Across the Seas : A Guidebook for Parents Adopting From Overseas ($8.00), provides a structured assessment parents can perform while at the orphanage with the child. This assessment helps parents appraise the childs growth, development and attachment status. Utilizing this information from the beginning to design early intervention strategies, parents are able to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child.
  • Making a Difference ($8.00) This 16-page booklet presents a complete review of what is known about the effects of prenatal alcohol and drug exposure on the infant and child.

• "The Listening Heart" is an educational documentary that chronicles the day-to-day challenges of children, parents, and families who struggle with the consequences of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The Listening Heart combines parents insights backed up with scientific information about prenatal alcohol exposure and its effects on intellectual and behavioral development. It is $21.95.
  
• The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) is committed to developing and implementing innovative ideas in prevention, education, intervention, and advocacy for FASD.
• The Family Empowerment Network is a resource, referral, support, and research program serving families affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This is a great source for information.
• FAS Community Resource Center provides as much information as you could want on FASD. They also sponsor a wonderful page which includes a comprehensive list of internet resources on FASD.
• The Stepping Stone Center for Recovery has a short overview of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which you can share with family members or friends who would like to learn more.
• FAS Help provides resources links for families.
• The Centers for Disease Control offers a great site with lots of up to date information on FAS and FASDs. They have a section for called what's new that highlights recent findings.
  
• Facts About Parenting a Child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder By Teressa Kellerman
  

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Blogs on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:

• In My Child's World has a great blog series on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders titled, "SCREAMS  The Sweet Sound of Success," Part One and "SCREAMS - The Sweet Sound of Success, " Part Two Teresa Kellerman.
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diaries Blog by mom of a 15 year old daughter with FAS.
  
• Here's a website started by a mom who adopted more than one child with FASD. I love the name as well as the personal essays on this site. If you are considering a child that may have FASD, check out this site. Fasaholics Anonymous.

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FASD Support:

• Roots to Wings - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder support group and webpage.

• Adoption.com has a forum for FASD - RAD
  

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