Author Archive
NOFAS Responds to ‘Light Drinking’ Research
Research published last week in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology affirms that, “…the safest option for pregnant women is to avoid drinking [alcohol] during pregnancies.” Although, if you read the headlines or the research sponsor’s news release you wouldn’t find that statement anywhere. The research examined, “Whether light drinking in pregnancy is linked to unfavourable developmental outcomes in children,” and concluded, “While children born to light drinkers appeared to have more favourable developmental ...
New NOFAS Pendant Celebrates “Warrior Moms”
NOFAS has created a beautiful new pendant featuring the Circle of Hope "Warrior Mom" logo (see below). The pendant depicts a proud and fearless woman surrounded by the words respect, nurturing, intuitive, and empowered, and is available for purchase from NOFAS. It comes in silver or gold with a matching 18" or 24" chain. It's the perfect gift for mothers or expectant mothers of any age, and can be ordered here. You don't need a ...
FASD Legislation Introduced in U.S. Senate
U.S. Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Mark Begich (D-AK) reintroduced the Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act on February 7th, calling for continuing attention and investment in the federal response to FASD. The bill reauthorizes activities at the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and includes provisions addressing FASD within the Departments of Education and Justice. “This devastating ...
Northrop Grumman to Continue as FASD Center for Excellence Lead
Northrop Grumman Information Systems has been successful in its bid to continue as the primary contractor for the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Center for Excellence, the federal initiative supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Center promotes the prevention of FASD and addresses the needs of individuals and families affected by FASD. Northrop Grumman and its partners will provide ...
After learning of their son’s FAS diagnosis a family jumps into action for the cause
Trent and Tracey are the devoted parents of three children, one a son Carson who they recently learned has FAS. The family is dealing with the same challenges faced by many others living with FAS, they are concerned about their son’s education, specifically test-taking and analyzing information; sound familiar? Carson and his family live in Tallahassee, Florida. He loves sports including flag football and basketball. He’s favorite professional basketball player is Jimmer Fredette and his favorite ...
Lena L.
This is Lena’s story of faith, perseverance, and optimism in the face of a disability. Although Lena was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) as a small child, the absence of sufficient knowledge about FAS and ineffective communication on behalf of her family and healthcare system hindered Lena from understanding her disability until adulthood. It was at 26 years of age, after the suggestions of a social worker that Lena finally came to understand her ...
Billy Edwards
William J. Edwards is a Deputy Public Defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defenders Office and has served in that position since 2001. From 2008 to 2011, he worked in the mental health court, where he represented people with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Since 1994, Mr. Edwards has specialized in the representation of people with intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities in the criminal justice system. Prior to ...
Gabby and Joe Esmeyer
My name is Gabby Esmeyer, I am 13-years-old and I have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are caused by the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. That is why I am here today to talk to you about my FAS. FAS affects my life in many ways. I cannot jump or run very well and my motor skills aren’t as ...
September 9th is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Urges Women to Abstain from Alcohol During Pregnancy Due to the Risk of Birth Defects Washington, D.C. -- Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disabilities and birth defects in America. The ninth day of the ninth month—September 9th—is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day and serves as an important reminder that alcohol-related birth defects can be completely prevented when women abstain from alcohol ...
Gwendolyn Packard (Ihanktowan)
Gwendolyn (Gwen) currently serves as Director for Morning Star House, Inc., a grass roots, community-based, advocacy organization for Indian women and children, who are victims of domestic violence in New Mexico. Gwenolyn has worked extensively for the past 28 years in Indian affairs, both at the national and tribal level. She has worked for such national Indian advocacy organizations as the National Congress of American Indians and ...
The Center for Behavioral Teratology at San Diego State University
The Center for Behavioral Teratology (CBT) leads the quest to fully understand Fetal Alcohol Syndrome by conducting innovative research on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Using techniques ranging from basic science to sophisticated brain imaging, CBT scientists work to identify the specific brain and behavioral changes that occur following exposure and explore novel ways to mitigate these effects. This type of research is ...
The Whitcombs
The Whitcombs have tirelessly involved themselves with FASD advocacy, education, and support. They exemplify the courage, strength, and love needed while affected by FASD. When Tyler was only 7 weeks old, Tim and Cindy Whitcomb were told by his adoption agency that he most likely had FAS. Cindy said that she and Tim felt in their hearts that Tyler had FAS, but also that he was meant ...
Dr. Ann Streissguth
Dr. Ann Streissguth is a leading researcher and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She has worked with patients with FASD, their families, and communities for over thirty years. In 1978, Dr. Streissguth collaborated with Dr. Ruth Little to develop methods to intervene in female alcohol abuse during pregnancy and prevent FASD. In 1989, Dr. Streissguth and her ...
Dr. Claire D. Coles
Dr. Claire D. Coles is a leading researcher and has contributed greatly to studies on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and research on teratogenic exposures during pregnancy. NOFAS honors Dr. Coles for her many years of continued research and longstanding commitment to eliminating alcohol related birth defects. Dr. Coles established the Fetal Alcohol Center at the Marcus Institute and continues to serve as its Director. The Marcus ...
Julie Gelo
A mother of thirteen children, leading national advocate, executive director of a NOFAS Washington, outstanding spokesperson – Julie Gelo wears many hats and is a fascinating personality. NOFAS salutes Julie for her courage, strength and perseverance and honors her through this Hall of Fame. Julie and her husband Lynn live in Bothell, Washington, with the youngest seven children and have been licensed foster parents for the ...
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