Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, mental retardation at NOFAS

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Protecting children and families by fighting the leading known cause of mental retardation and birth defects

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“Finally, I found a checklist for fetal alcohol syndrome on the internet, checked off most of the checks, and took it in to the doctor. He said, 'Oh, you might be right.' So we went to Children's Hospital, got a diagnosis for my daughter, and it became clear that a lot more needed to be done in the medical profession to be able to identify it. Her doctor had been trained and knew about FAS, but couldn't recognize it since he hadn't come across it that much in his profession.”
Steven Klene

NOFAS

Mission Statement

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) is the leading voice and resource of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) community. NOFAS, the only international FASD non-profit organization, is committed to prevention, advocacy and support.

NOFAS effectively increases public awareness and mobilizes grassroots action in diverse communities and represents the interests of persons with FASD and their caregivers as the liaison to researchers and policymakers. By ensuring that FASD is broadly recognized as a developmental disability, NOFAS strives to reduce the stigma and improve the quality of life for affected individuals and families.

Vision Statement

The vision of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) is to create a global community free of alcohol-exposed pregnancies and a society supportive of individuals already living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Organizational Objectives

Increase public awareness about the range of consequences associated with prenatal alcohol exposure
Educate medical and allied health students and practitioners about the range of health effects related to alcohol and pregnancy
Train youth as peer educators in their schools and communities
Develop prevention and education messages and strategies for implementation among diverse populations nationwide
Provide referrals, resources and information on a broad range of alcohol and pregnancy services through a national clearinghouse
Collaborate and partner with prevention, education, advocacy and research agencies, organizations and universities to promote the awareness of FAS, and Coordinate activities

NOFAS Programs
NOFAS focuses on the following program areas: national and community-based public awareness campaigns; a national curriculum for medical and allied health students; training workshops for professional and lay audiences; peer education and youth outreach initiatives; and the NOFAS information, resource and referral clearinghouse.

Photo of a man and a woman NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit
The NOFAS Leadership Award, established in 1994, honors the heroes in the fight against FASD including elected officials, scientists, advocates and other outstanding individuals and organizations. Former US Senator Tom Daschle and Linda Hall Daschle have supported NOFAS since its founding in 1990 and annually attend the benefit as Honorary Hosts.