By Kayla Williams / Asst. News Director

ST. CLOUD, Minn. –- Proof Alliance is raising awareness about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and the importance of preventing prenatal alcohol exposure during FASD Awareness Month.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), are caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and can affect learning, memory, behavior, and other areas of a person’s life.

Proof Alliance has worked since 1998 to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure and support people and families impacted by FASD.

“Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. It’s a brain-based disability that’s caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, and it affects up to one in 20 kids,” said Mollie O’Brien, Executive Director of Proof Alliance.

Proof Alliance provides education and training for caregivers and the public, support groups for families and an on-site diagnostic clinic for families who believe their child may have FASD.

They also host activities including family events, an annual caregiver conference, and a summer family camp.

Raising awareness

During September, which is FASD Awareness Month, buildings and bridges across Minnesota and the country were lit up red to bring awareness to FASD.

O’Brien said there is no known safe type of alcohol or safe time during pregnancy to consume alcohol.

She also said prenatal alcohol exposure can happen for several reasons. Some people may not know they are pregnant, may receive incorrect information about alcohol use during pregnancy, or may have an alcohol use disorder that makes stopping more difficult.

“Nobody wants to hurt a child, right? Everybody wants healthy babies and healthy communities,” O’Brien said.

FASD can look different from person to person and may affect executive functioning, memory, behavior, vision, and sensory processing. Some characteristics can also be similar to ADHD or autism.

However, O’Brien said early detection and support can make a difference.

“What’s important to know is with early detection and early diagnosis, people with FASD have so many strengths, and they can thrive if they have that support,” O’Brien said.

Supporting the community

Proof Alliance works with health care providers to improve conversations about alcohol use during pregnancy and help providers recognize prenatal alcohol exposure.

The organization also provides online training for educators to learn how to better support students with FASD in the classroom.

Community members can get involved by volunteering, becoming community educators, advocating for FASD awareness or supporting Proof Alliance programs.

O’Brien said college campuses can also play a role in spreading awareness about prenatal alcohol exposure.

“It’s not a women’s issue. It’s a human issue. It’s an everybody issue,” O’Brien said.

More information about FASD and ways to get involved can be found through the Proof Alliance website.