FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy and is Americas leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in ten U.S. women will consume alcohol while pregnant and approximately 40,000 babies are born each year in the United States with FASD.

The effects of FASD may include physical, mental, behavioral and learning disabilities with lifelong implications. Children and adults with FASD are at high risk for speech and language disorders, learning disabilities, hearing impairments, mental retardation, attention deficit disorders, depression and other health impairments.

In order to improve outcomes for individuals with FASD and their families, it is vital that children be diagnosed and referred for intervention and treatment early in life. Individuals with FASD require not only information, training and technical assistance for early diagnosis but also effective interventions for assisting individuals with FASD to function successfully in society.