September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month aims to promote education and support individuals diagnosed with FASD or prenatal alcohol exposure.

September 15, 2026
Events, September

Alcohol is the leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disorders in the United States.

Still, about 20-30% of women report drinking alcohol at some point during pregnancy — most often in the first trimester — and 8% report binge drinking.

There are many reasons this happens. Nearly half of pregnancies are unplanned, meaning some women drink before they even know they’re expecting. Others may struggle with alcohol addiction, which can extremely difficult to manage without the right support. Poverty, trauma, and limited access to education or medical care can also make the situation harder.

That’s why Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month focuses not on blame, but on understanding. The goal is to raise awareness, share resources, advocate for stronger public health policies, and support both expectant mothers and individuals living with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.

In this article, we’ll share some background about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, as well as ideas for how you can participate in FASD Awareness Month.

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to a range of conditions caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. People with FASD can experience lifelong effects, including physical issues like heart or kidney defects, seizures, and coordination problems, as well as learning disabilities and social challenges.

FASD can also increase the risk of negative outcomes later in life. Research shows that about 61% of adolescents and 58% of adults with FASD have faced legal troubles, and more than a third of those over age 12 have been incarcerated.

While it can be difficult to measure exactly how many children are affected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that FASD affects approximately 1 in 20 children — making this condition more common than autism spectrum disorder, which affects around 1 in 31 children.

History of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month

The first FASD Awareness Day was celebrated on September 9, 1999. The significance of choosing this date (9/9/99) was to highlight the importance of abstaining from alcohol throughout the nine months of pregnancy. The symbolism of the ninth day of the ninth month served as a reminder of the critical period of fetal development.

In 2016, the awareness efforts were expanded and the entire month of September was designated as FASD Awareness Month. This expansion allowed for a whole month dedicated to spreading the word, educating the public, and advocating for individuals with FASD.

Throughout September, organizations like FASD United (formerly the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) host community events, workshops and panel discussions, art exhibitions, social media campaigns, school activities, and fundraisers. These events and activities aim to distribute accurate information, reduce stigma, and encourage people to take action in preventing FASD and supporting those affected by it.

5 ways to participate in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month

1. Share resources about alcohol addiction and treatment

One important objective of FASD Awareness Month is to identify and support women with alcohol addiction before they become pregnant in order to promote their well-being and reduce the risks associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. By actively sharing treatment and support resources, you can help foster a supportive environment that encourages women, their partners, and their friends and family to seek help for alcohol addiction.

You can find treatment resources in your area using the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Alcohol Treatment Navigator or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. Recovering Mothers Anonymous also provides weekly online meetings and support for women.

2. Share personal stories and experiences

Individuals with FASD and their families often face stigma, which can lead to discrimination and prevent people from accessing the support they need to lead healthy, fulfilled lives.

One way to end stigma is to share real stories from people living with FASD. Personal narratives can be powerful in fostering empathy and challenging stereotypes. By shining a light on the experiences of individuals with FASD and their families, you can help others see the human side of the disorder and reduce stigmatizing attitudes.

3. Use inclusive language

Another way to end stigma is to be mindful of the language you use when discussing FASD. Avoid judgmental or blaming language, as this only perpetuates negative stereotypes.

When speaking about someone who has been diagnosed with this condition, use person-first language that emphasizes the individual rather than their diagnosis. For example:

Instead of saying “FASD child,” you would say “child with FASD.”
Instead of saying “FASD individual,” you would say “individual with FASD.”

Instead of saying “FASD sufferer,” you would say “person living with FASD.”

4. Support the FASD Respect Act

While some states have programs aimed at FASD prevention and intervention, many families still lack access to prenatal care or support services for children and adults diagnosed with this condition.

The FASD Respect Act (H.R. 3946/S.1800) is a bipartisan legislation dedicated to addressing FASD on a federal level. The bill would expand and establish programs for FASD, including prevention, screening and identification, and support services specifically designed for individuals with FASD. You can help get the FASD Respect Act passed by contacting your Senators and Congressional Representatives and asking them to support the bill.

5. Get involved in community events

There are many ways to get involved in FASD awareness campaigns and events. You can hand out brochures and educational materials, participate in a fundraiser walk, or volunteer your time at a local women’s shelter. Check with local community organizations to find out about upcoming events, or click here for a list of virtual and in-person events from FASD United.

Download the free Disability Events calendar

However you choose to participate in FASD Awareness month, your involvement will help challenge stereotypes, promote acceptance, and make a big impact in the movement to support individuals with FASD. For more disability-related events and observances you can participate in all year, download our free Disability Events Calendar.