National FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) and Education Survey (United States)

Students impacted by prenatal exposure to alcohol and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) often face many challenges in school.  Some students with an FASD may qualify for special education services. 

Despite a prevalence rate of FASD in up to 1 in 20 school-aged children, there is a general lack of recognition and understanding of FASD in our education systems.  This survey has been designed to better understand students' experiences with an FASD, their parents and caregivers, and professionals involved in this field.  Because the diagnostic capacity for an FASD assessment in the field is limited, we encourage those with prenatal alcohol exposure where FASD is suspected to complete the survey.

The information collected from this survey is intended for policymakers, schools, service providers, community organizations, and advocacy groups to better understand and address the needs of students with FASD in the US education system.  If you have any questions about the survey, please contact wisdahl@fasdunited.org.

This survey was completed through a collaboration between Susan Shepard Carlson and Jenn Wisdahl (FASD United), Sara Messelt and Marissa Lang (Proof Alliance) and Jenn Werden (The Florida Center for Early Childhood).  We are grateful to have based this work on an original survey done by Proof Alliance (formerly MOFAS) and several FASD United (formerly NOFAS) affiliates in 2017-18 who came together to advocate for better educational outcomes for students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).  Special thanks to taskforce members Sara Messelt (MOFAS), Eileen Bisgaard (NOFAS-Colorado), Sr. Suzette Fisher (Double ARC, NOFAS Ohio), Janet Sharkis (Texas Office for the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities), Eileen Bisgaard (NOFAS Colorado), Chris Troutt (The Papillion Center for FASD), and Jennifer Faringer (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester NY) as well as Shauna Feine and Ruth Richardson (MOFAS).