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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. These effects can include physical problems as well as problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with an FASD has a mix of these problems. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe of these disorders.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to prevent FASDs, a woman should not drink alcohol while she is pregnant, or when she might get pregnant. This is because a woman could get pregnant and not know for up to 4 to 6 weeks. In the United States, nearly half of pregnancies are unplanned. If a woman is drinking alcohol during pregnancy, it is never too late to stop drinking. Because brain growth takes place throughout pregnancy, the sooner a woman stops drinking the safer it will be for her and her baby. FASDs are preventable if a baby is not exposed to alcohol before birth.
Get on Board
Learn More About FASD and Prevention
FASD Fact Sheet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDD)
FASD United (Formerly National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS))
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
March of Dimes
The Arc of the United States
U.S. Surgeon General: Advisory on Alcohol Use in Pregnancy
Resources in Michigan
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Michigan Department of Education Office of Great Start
Women's Specialty Services, Office of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care
Healthy Michigan Plan
MCFARES - Michigan Coalition of for Fetal Alcohol Resources, Education, and Support
Michigan Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Michigan Governor's FASD Proclamations
2021 Michigan Governor's FASD Proclamation
2020 Michigan Governor's FASD Proclamation
2019 Michigan Governor's FASD Proclamation
2017 Michigan Governor's FASD Proclamation
Michigan FASD Strategic Plans
MI FASD Five Year Strategic Plan, 2015-2020, entitled: Preventing Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Supporting Individuals Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
MI FASD Maternal and Child Interagency Strategic Plan 2012-2014 Phase 1
MI FASD Task Force Youth In Transition and Adults 2012-2014 Phase 2
MI FASD Task Force Strategic Plan 2006-2011
Michigan FASD Legislative Information
2005 House Resolution No. 124
2006 House Resolution No. 301
2007 House Resolution No. 164
2009 House Resolution No. 149
2010 House Resolution No. 325
2012 House Resolution No. 307
2012 House Resolution No. 5572-Public Act 291
MDHHS - FASD State Program - Contact Us
Aurea Booncharoen, BSN, MA, Maternal Health Nurse Consultant
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, FASD State Program Coordinator
Email: booncharoena@michigan.gov