This week, we are focusing on how allies can utilize communication that emphasizes positivity and empowerment.

Acknowledge Resilience

Start your conversation by acknowledging the extraordinary resilience of families impacted by FASD:

“Your family’s strength and perseverance in facing the unique challenges of FASD is truly inspiring.”

Create a Judgment-Free Space

Build an environment that is free from judgment:

“I understand that FASD is complex, and I respect your resilience as you navigate this journey.”

Celebrate Achievements and Self-Identity

Focus on celebrating achievements while emphasizing that FASD doesn’t define their identity:

“I’m proud of you for the progress you have made. Remember, FASD may be a part of your journey, but it doesn’t define who you are.”

Be an Empathetic and Patient Listener

Listen with empathy and patience:

“I’m here to listen. Your experiences and feelings are important, and I deeply respect your perspective.”

Share Empowering Resources

Offer empowering resources and support groups that may help with their journey:

“I’ve come across some empowering resources and support groups that could complement your strengths. Would you like me to share them with you?”

Promote an Atmosphere of Positivity and Self-Worth

End conversations on a positive note, reinforcing their capabilities:

“I’m confident that, with your strengths and resilience, your family will continue to thrive. You are respected and valued in our community.”

Communication during FASD Awareness Month and beyond should emphasize strengths, empowerment, and respect for families impacted by FASD.

By acknowledging their resilience, offering support, and celebrating their achievements, we can create a positive, empowering environment that promotes awareness and understanding of FASD. 

Learn more about what Illuminate is doing during FASD Awareness month here.

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Below, you’ll find ways you can be an ally and provide support to members of your community impacted by FASD.

The Importance of Allyship

Promoting Inclusivity

Individuals with FASD often face difficulties in social situations, academic settings, and with finding employment. Being an ally means creating inclusive spaces where people with FASD are understood and can thrive without judgment.

Advocating for Equal Opportunities

People with FASD deserve equal access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. As an ally, you can advocate for policies and practices that ensure their rights and needs are met. 

Empowering Families

Caregivers of individuals with FASD face unique challenges. Being an ally means offering emotional support, resources, and a listening ear to help them navigate challenges. Not sure where to start? Find tools that will help you build connections within your community.

Ways You Can Provide Support

1. Educate Yourself

Understanding FASD is the first step to effective allyship. Learn more about FASD to gain insight into the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with FASD and their families. Start here.

2. Actively Listen

Allow people impacted by FASD to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs without judgment.

3. Avoid Judgment

People with FASD may display behaviors that are misunderstood by others. Instead of passing judgment, approach them with empathy and patience.

4. Be Patient and Flexible

Individuals with FASD might need more time to process information or complete tasks. Be patient and flexible in your interactions, offering support without pressure.

5. Create Inclusive Environments

In educational or workplace settings, advocate for accommodations that support the needs of people with FASD. Small changes can make a big difference in their success.

6. Offer Practical Help 

Offer your assistance in practical ways, such as helping with transportation, grocery shopping, or daily tasks. Make a point to ask the person or their caregivers how they would like to be supported.

7. Spread Awareness

Use your platform, whether it’s on social media or within your community, to spread awareness about FASD. Share accurate information, personal stories, and resources.

Follow Illuminate Colorado on social media to share our posts throughout FASD Awareness Month and beyond! 

8. Support Parental Well-being 

Caregivers of children with FASD often experience high levels of stress. Offer them opportunities for a break, a listening ear, or even organizing support groups where they can connect with others who understand their journey.

Check out the NOFAS Colorado Facebook group, which offers regular support group meetings for caregivers impacted by FASD. 

9. Advocate for Policy Change

Participate in advocacy efforts to promote policies that support individuals with FASD and their families. 

10. Be a Friend

Form genuine friendships with individuals with FASD. Just like anyone else, they need networks of supportive community and social connections to thrive.

Learn more about what Illuminate is doing during FASD Awareness month here.

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This week, let’s learn the basics about FASD!

FASD is an umbrella term used to describe a range of effects that can occur in a fetus exposed to alcohol before birth, and is the most commonly known cause of developmental disabilities in the United States. The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure can be physical, mental, behavioral, and are often a combination of the three. Everyone with FASD is affected differently, with conditions ranging from mild to severe.

While the exact number of people who have FASDs is unknown, it is estimated that up to 1 in 20 U.S. school children may have an FASD, with 1 in 7 pregnancies being alcohol-exposed.¹  In Colorado in particular, an estimated 15.4% of pregnant individuals in our state drank alcohol during the last 3 months of their pregnancy, according to the most recently available Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data.²

Do you think your family would benefit from a FASD diagnosis?

A critical component in expanding support and resources for families impacted by FASD is reducing stigma around the disorder. FASD is largely a “hidden disability” which is a result of stigma preventing people from seeking out diagnoses. By increasing access to formal diagnoses, interventions, and supports, we can reduce stigma for children and adults with FASD.

Illuminate Colorado is committed to supporting the resources and education that are required to prevent occurrences of FASDs. It is critical for all pregnant people to have the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their baby’s health. There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy, and at any point there is prenatal alcohol exposure, it is possible that an FASD will occur. Ensuring that this knowledge is widespread and accessible in our communities can greatly reduce instances of FASDs in our youngest Coloradoans. 

Learn more about the effects of alcohol during pregnancy and support options in this slide deck developed by SuPPoRT Colorado.

Exciting things are happening this month

Throughout September, join us each week as we explore things you can be, do, say, and share to support families impacted by FASD. On September 9th, we will also be celebrating International FASD Awareness Day! Follow us on social media and share our posts to raise awareness across your own networks. 

We will also be sharing ways you can advocate for policy change at the state and federal level that will support families impacted by FASD. 

To keep everything in one place, we’ve created a hub for all of the information you need throughout the month here. And don’t forget to sign up for our blog email!

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