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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“When he was eight, our son Dalante's second grade teacher said to us, 'I think this child has FAS.' At this point in time, we had been involved in social systems, medical systems, psychiatric systems and educational systems, and yet this was the first time that FAS had been brought up. We're hopeful to get an accurate diagnosis. He is a wonderful little boy. We fear for his future. He is extremely naļve. He is extremely sweet. He would be the ideal drug runner. He would be the ideal child to be taken advantage of and this has already happened with food fights in the cafeteria: somebody gives him a dime and promises to be his friend, so he takes the blame.”
Francine White

NOFAS Newsroom

NOFAS Hosts the First Senate Briefing to
Increase Awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

FEBRUARY 8, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Adam Litle
Director of Government Affairs
(202) 785-4585

Washington—The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) will form a panel of experts in the field of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to discuss new implications of the disease on our healthcare, educational, and judicial systems. The briefing will be held on February 9, 2004 at 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M.

Although Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is 100% preventable, it remains the leading known cause of mental retardation in the United States. The latest studies estimate that 40,000 infants are born each year with FASD. This means there is a new case of FASD for 1 out of every 100 births. FASD is an irreversible, debilitating disorder that can include mental retardation, abnormalities of major organs, as well as problems with memory, attention, and judgment

The panel is also cosponsored by the Congressional Prevention Coalition, and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, as well as the Office of Senator Chris Dodd. A complimentary lunch will be held at noon followed by presentations and time for questions. If you are planning to attend, please contact Adam Litle at (202) 785-4585, or adam.litle@nofas.org, by Monday, February 2^nd

The featured panelists and presentations include:

Dr. Ed Riley, Chairman, National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, will provide details on the science behind the issue.
Kathleen Tavenner Mitchell, National Spokesperson on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and mother of a child with FASD will provide a personal perspective on the impact of the disorder on families and communities.
The Honorable Susan Carlson, Juvenile Justice Court Referee of Hennepin County, Minnesota will present the effect of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders on the foster care, juvenile justice, and adult criminal justice systems.
Dr. Faye Calhoun, Deputy Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) will discuss the national response to the disorder, with special attention on the collaborative prevention and treatment efforts of the federal administration.

Another briefing for House staffers will be held on February 25, 2004, at B-339 Rayburn House Office Building.