FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER—IMPORANT RESOURCES FOR PARENTSAND CAREGIVERS . . .

About a year ago I wrote a three-part blog series on the epidemic and impact of fetal alcohol exposure on children (see May 30, June 8 and July 7, 2025 blogs). As I’ve been doing a continual deep dive on this subject, I can say with certainty that no other topic has impacted me as much as FASD in my 37 years of working in a multitude of mental health settings. This personal impact is greater than ever, as my work is focused specifically on providing Parent Coaching

for foster & adoptive parents, as well as providing training for the professionals who serve them.

I won’t take the space and time here to repeat all of the information that I shared last year. However, since we are in the midst of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Awareness Month, I want to share some great resources for you. Current and reliable estimates provided by experts in the FASD field reveal that as many as 70 percent of children in the foster care system have been exposed to alcohol in-utero. Also, over 50 percent of children---(many of who are now adults-- from Eastern European countries (Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania etc.) are likely on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum. It is truly a worldwide epidemic.

For those of you parents and caregivers in need of resources & support—as well as for those of you curious for additional information—here are some excellent FASD resources that I personally recommend:

FASD Mosaic (fasdmosaic.com). Founded by Barb Clark, who was diagnosed with FASD as an adult, and is also the parent of an adult daughter with FASD.

“Raising Kids and Teens with FASD” by Barb Clark. The best book I’ve read thus far on FASD. Filled with compassion, humor and the latest FASD research, I highly recommend this parent-friendly book!

Sandra Flach—Justice for Orphans ( www.justicefororphans.org ). I know Sandra personally, and she is incredible! She is the parent of two adult sons from Romania with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She is an authoritative voice on FASD.

“Trying Differently Rather than Harder” 2nd ed. By Diane Malbin. Diane is a pioneer in the FASD field. This little book is packed with important research and practical parenting strategies.

Jeff Noble—FASD Success ( www.fasdsuccess.com ). Jeff is a foster parent and hosts a podcast and private Facebook group of over 7,000 parents and caregivers who “get it” and understand the FASD journey.

FASD United (fasdunited.org) My organization, Adoptive Family Resources, Inc. is a Network Affiliate member of this organization. FASD United is an excellent resource for everything FASD! They are involved in research, lobbying and providing practical support for families throughout the U.S.

Finally, friends, on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. EST, Adoptive Family Resources, Inc. hosts a free and confidential Adoptive & Foster Parents FASD Support Group. You are welcome to join us! The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 6th. To sign up, just go to the “CONTACT ME” section on the bottom of our website Home Page at www.adoptivefamilyresources.org. and indicate your interest in joining the group. All email addresses are kept confidential.

~Mark