Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is the NUMBER ONE leading cause of preventable developmental delay (previously known as mental retardation) in America. FASD affects 1 in 100 children born in the United States which is nearly equivalent to the prevalence of Autistic Disorder (1 in 88 children as per the CDC, 2011). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concluded that there were nearly 4 million bir
ths in 2012, which means that there were approximately 40,000 children born in the United States in 2012 with FASD. In 2005, the Surgeon General put out a warning indicating that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy in order to reduce the alarming cognitive and behavioral deficits that can occur secondary to intrauterine alcohol toxicity such as developmental delay, mood disturbance, ADHD, learning disabilities, etc. Of those with FASD, between 12-21; 95% will have mental health problems, 60% will have "disrupted school experience,” 60% will experience trouble with the law, 55% will be confined in prison, drug or alcohol treatment center or mental institution, 52% will exhibit inappropriate sexual behavior. Between 21-51, individuals with FASD: More than 50% of males and 70% of females will have alcohol and drug problems, 82% will not be able to live independently, and 70% will have problems with employment
The Surgeon General's warning (2005) has largely fallen on deaf ears considering the continued prevalence rates of FASD. On any given day, over 10,000 babies will be born. 1 of these babies will be HIV positive, 2 of these babies will be born with Spina Bifida, 3 of these babies will have muscular dystrophy, and 10 of these babies will have Down Syndrome. ONE HUNDRED children will be born EVERY DAY with FASD! Action:FASD is an organization dedicated to reducing the alarming prevalence rate of FASD. Action:FASD is dedicated to creating grass-roots prevention Action Teams at universities, states, and communities in order to disseminate information with the hopes of educating people about the FACTS behind drinking while pregnant. If you are interested in starting an Action Team in your area contact us at [email protected]. You will be a part of an organization that is dedicated to making the world more informed and thus a safer place for our children to be born in!
