FASD
Advocacy Efforts
The FASD Respect Act
We are thrilled to share the news that, on September 18, 2025, the Senate voted unanimously to pass the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act (S.2121), which includes crucial provisions from the FASD Respect Act and mirrors the language of the House’s recently passed SUPPORT Reauthorization bill! This milestone marks the first major legislative advancement for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in over 25 years, signaling a renewed commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. We are filled with hope and optimism as this significant bill now moves to the President’s desk for approval. This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of the FASD Network of Southern California and our dedicated community partners, who have tirelessly advocated for this crucial legislation
Returning home late the night before from D.C., I was still buzzing with inspiration from FASD Impact Week, where I had the privilege of joining over 100 passionate advocates in making our voices heard on Capitol Hill. Together, we engaged with our Representatives and Senators, shedding light on FASD, a prevalent yet often misunderstood neurodevelopmental disability that affects countless individuals and families within our community. Our collective efforts emphasized the urgent need for enhanced public awareness, prevention strategies, research funding, and lifelong support for those affected by FASD.
This bi-partisan initiative highlights the reality that FASD touches all of us, underscoring the importance of unity in advocacy. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who have shared your personal stories over the past five years—through online meetings, in person, written accounts, and phone calls with your representatives. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed; we came close in previous Congressional sessions, but this time, thanks to our unwavering commitment, the bill has finally passed. Along the way, we have educated many about this hidden disability that impacts at least 1 in 20, fostering greater understanding and compassion in our communities. Let us continue this vital work together to promote awareness and support for families affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, ensuring that our collective voice remains strong and inclusive as we advocate for a brighter future for all.
Annette M. Kunzman, President
FASD Network Of Southern California
A 28 Billion Dollar Impact
According to the CDC, FASD impacts as many as 1 in 20 in the US. That’s 2.5x more than autism.
The conservative estimated cost of FASD for California is $28,469,400,000
Download the 2024 CA FASD Fact Sheet to understand and share the impact.
A UNITED EFFORT
FASD NETWORK OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, with all of the FASD groups in California, formed a task force to gather and present information to the California Legislature.
The resulting position paper provided a detailed rationale of the need for training, diagnosis, and services related to FASD and the people it affects.
The legislature must recognize that FASD is a critical issue to California and that there is support for an FASD Interagency Coordinating Council within the Department of Health & Human Services or the Surgeon General’s Office.
Timing for this effort coincided with the introduction of S.2879 – the Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act. by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in November 2019. This bill missed passing by a narrow margin in December 2022.
In 2023 the Respect for FASD Act 2.0 was introduced, and is expected to pass in late 2024.
FASD Special Education Bill
With the passage of SB1016, school teams and families will be able to provide an array of appropriate services and interventions addressing the challenges of this lifelong neurological condition.
With its passage, SB 1016 names FASD as a distinct condition for special education eligibility under the Other Health Impairment (OHi) category and will ensure that students with FASD will receive the special educational support and services they need.
FASD Now looks forward to working with the California Department of Education’s Special Education Division to implement the bill, including training of staff on FASD, providing guidance on screening and assessment tools and appropriate educational interventions, and providing consultation as implementation of the law proceeds.
FASD Now is also working to spotlight the current and potential role of more than a dozen other state agencies with FASO-related responsibilities related to SB1016 to promote greater interagency coordination
Building On Our
Success Webinar
FASD Now!, a California alliance, makes a case for the urgent need for CA interagency coordination to address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Special guest commentary from Senator Anthony Portantino and Senator Dave Cortese.
Share your story
Parents and caregivers! Your stories matter to our advocacy efforts. Please share yours if you are in favor of:
- Acknowledgment of the disorder
- Educated professionals
- Appropriate healthcare
- Qualification for special education
- Automatic support of our adults
- Confidence in the future
- Statistics changes
Click the button below to email your story to the FASD Network of Southern California
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