Frederick MD FASD Task Force

05/30/2026

📣 Registration is now OPEN for National FASD Impact Week 2026!

Join advocates, clinicians, researchers, professionals, caregivers, self-advocates, and community leaders from across the country for four days of advocacy, collaboration, education, and action in Washington, DC.

🗓 September 27–30, 2026
📍 Washington, DC
💥 FREE for all attendees

National FASD Impact Week is your opportunity to help give FASD a seat at the table through:
🔹 Advocacy on Capitol Hill
🔹 Workshops and symposiums
🔹 Poster exhibitions
🔹 Community connection
🔹 Research and policy discussions
🔹 Strengths-based conversations that move the field forward

Together, we can raise awareness, inspire action, and create a brighter future for individuals and families impacted by FASD.

Register today and learn more at:
🌐 www.FASDImpactWeek.org

Image Description: A vibrant promotional collage for National FASD Impact Week 2026 on a black background. At the center is the National Impact Week logo featuring a large red ampersand symbol with white and gold text reading “FASD & National Impact Week 2026.” White text above says “Join Us For.” Surrounding the logo are photos of diverse attendees smiling, speaking, networking, hugging, and participating in past FASD United events, including self-advocates, families, professionals, and community members of various ages and backgrounds. The FASD United logo appears in the top left corner. The overall design emphasizes community, advocacy, collaboration, and inclusion.

05/30/2026

Join us for this exciting online webinar with Mary, our Founder and Executive Director: Who Knew That Would Happen? Health & Aging with FASD

As a nearly 60-year-old woman who was only diagnosed with FASD a few years ago, Mary will share how her diagnosis has finally helped make sense of a lifetime of health issues.

In this webinar you will:
✨ Hear a powerful personal, lived-experience perspective on aging with FASD
✨ Learn what health challenges may emerge over time
✨ Gain insight into what to consider and anticipate from a health perspective
✨ Receive A Physician’s Anticipatory Guide to Health for Patients to support discussions with health professionals

Mary is an international speaker, trainer and mentor, and the Founder and Executive Director of Harrison’s Hope, a Canadian charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with FASD. Drawing on both her lived experience and caregiver role, she champions disability-led, community-based supports so that people with FASD and their caregivers can thrive.

📅 June 17, 2026
🕒 3:15 PM EDT
💻 Online webinar

👉 Reserve your place now on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/who-knew-that-would-happen-health-ageing-with-fasd-with-mary-byrnes-tickets-1990565096789?sg=3369fb17c957fcc4e1ab74e1d2861cffa3e0780425cd8ebb797c869393a1adf73e4006f19bce639f94b7d4c139ee595b593125ac5c82bdafb2602f72ba71d2fd03161dc373642fc5cdc6ec77c3fb&aff=ebdsshios

Please share this webinar with parents, carers, practitioners, and anyone with an interest in FASD and lifelong health.

05/28/2026

https://www.wehavetheproof.org/?fbclid=IwdGRjcASFKldjbGNrBIUqR2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHuZ_YU2gB6tqqS_5GoFVDdSaGE--Ej-fc0YRpVG3TlanbXpOfqQCuCmD5ohM_aem_5PEt5sz0QzzCxUGFlbgJPw

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a range of effects that can occur when a developing embryo is prenatally exposed to alcohol, even before there is a confirmed pregnancy. FASD can include physical, mental, behavioral and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.

05/28/2026

WHAT ARE SENSORY CIRCUITS?

Sensory circuits are short, structured sequences of movement designed to help a child’s nervous system find that 'just right' level of alertness for learning, play and daily routines. They gently support the brain and body to organise sensory input, regulate emotions and improve focus.

They can be especially supportive for children who struggle with transitions, children who feel anxious about school as they start their day, neurodivergent children, and those experiencing after-school restraint collapse when the day’s demands finally catch up with them.

A sensory circuit follows a clear pattern: alerting activities to wake up the body and brain, organising activities to build focus and coordination, and calming activities to help the child feel settled and ready. The order matters. When done in sequence, sensory circuits can support regulation rather than overwhelm.

They’re flexible, quick and practical. A circuit can take as little as 10–15 minutes and can be delivered at home or at school. First thing in the morning, after lunch, before homework, or as part of an emotional regulation routine, sensory circuits fit around real life.

They’re not about pushing children. They’re about meeting sensory needs, building predictability, and helping children feel safe and supported in their bodies.

Our Sensory Circuits Resource Pack includes clear explanations, visual prompts and ready-to-use activities to help adults feel confident running sensory circuits with children and young people.
Comment SENSORY below for the link.

05/28/2026

📣 Call for Abstracts: FASD Impact Week Poster Exhibition

Join us in Washington, DC during National FASD Impact Week and share your work, research, resources, and innovative ideas with the FASD community.

The Poster Exhibition is an interactive forum bringing together researchers, community organizations, government agencies, and service providers to highlight practical solutions and emerging work related to FASD.

We are accepting abstracts for:
🔹 Research Posters
🔹 Information Posters

🗓️ Submissions are due by July 10th
Check it out at fasdimpactweek.org/posters

Be part of the conversation helping move FASD awareness, support, research, and policy forward.

Image Description: A bold black, yellow, red, and white promotional graphic for FASD United’s National Impact Week 2026. Across the top, a bright yellow banner with black text reads “CALL FOR ABSTRACTS.” In the center of the graphic is a large red ampersand symbol surrounded by the letters “FASD” above it. Beneath the ampersand, white and gold text reads “NATIONAL IMPACT WEEK,” with “2026” displayed below in spaced white numbers. Curved red lines frame the central logo on both sides. Near the bottom, another yellow banner with black text reads “IMPACT WEEK POSTER EXHIBITION.” White text underneath states, “SEPTEMBER 27TH DURING NATIONAL IMPACT WEEK.”

05/28/2026

National Foster Care Month
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

~It's not always just trauma.
~Doctors around the country and world are most often not trained to recognize FASD.
~If you are a foster parent please educate yourself on the signs.
~Diagnosis matters.
~In California, a diagnosis of FASD can qualify for Regional Center Services through the 5th Category - ask us how!

Recognize the signs:
https://www.fasdnetworknortherncalifornia.org/_files/ugd/7e4d50_2645af469c374eb08381bdb47e05b320.pdf

FASD & the Regional Center:
https://www.fasdnetworknortherncalifornia.org/copy-of-medical-1

https://www.fasdnetworknortherncalifornia.org
[email protected]

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that no one has to navigate FASD alone 💚

Whether you are seeking answers, resources, guidance, or simply someone who understands the journey, our Family Navigators are here to support individuals and families impacted by FASD every step of the way.

Connection, understanding, and compassionate support can make a meaningful difference in mental wellbeing.

If you are looking for support on your FASD journey, reach out today. You are not alone.

💫 bit.ly/FamilyNavigatorSupport

Image Description: Graphic with green background and FASD United logo titled, “May is Mental Health Awareness Month.” Large centered text reads, “You Are Not Alone.” Bottom text states, “Our FREE Family Navigators are here to support you on your FASD journey. Reach out today: bit.ly/FamilyNavigatorSupport.”

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

To our Harrison Hope Members of our Virtual Tuesday evening Caregivers Connected Community Support Group:

Please note that this week’s regular Tuesday evening session from 7pm to 8 pm EDT will be REPLACED with our May Special Guest Speaker: Sylvia Gibbons sharing Pathways to Permanency program and the supports that go along with it from 8pm to 9:30pn EDT

Join us, use the same weekly Tuesday evening virtual link to join us at 8pm

05/25/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month:

Research shows that many individuals with FASD experience mental health challenges. Recognizing that the condition is brain based and adjusting parenting approaches accordingly can reduce stress, improve regulation, and support the mental health of the entire family.

www.fasdnetworknortherncalifornia.org
[email protected]