FASD Awareness Month: Understanding the Impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Every child deserves a fair start. The reality is clear—about 1,700 infants are born each day with conditions linked to prenatal alcohol exposure, according to a 2017 JAMA Pediatrics study. FASD Awareness Month is a call to act with clarity and urgency: deliver consistent prevention messages, connect families to real resources, and sustain FASD advocacy that reaches every household. We understand what’s at stake for children and caregivers.

Momentum is building in Orange County after a countywide action on August 27, 2025 brought prevention and support into focus.

This recognition faces a hard truth: prenatal alcohol exposure can cause lifelong challenges that families should not carry alone.

It also shows how public leadership, legal advocacy, and community partnerships can deliver better outcomes when they work together.

Below, see what happened, why it matters in Orange County, and practical steps you can take to create lasting change.

Orange County Proclamation Elevates FASD Awareness Month and Community Action

In Orlando, Florida, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed September 2025 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month and September 9th as FASD Awareness Day.

The proclamation followed coordinated efforts alongside attorneys at Bogin, Munns & Munns and the support of Mayor Jerry L. Demings, signaling countywide commitment to prevention and support.

Mayor Demings stressed the significance of this recognition: “I am pleased to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Shining a light on these disorders can potentially prevent physical, behavioral, and learning disabilities for our youth. Alcohol and pregnancy do not mix, and I applaud the efforts the Munns family and Bogin, Munns & Munns have devoted to championing such a cause.”

The proclamation aligns with the international Red Shoes Rock campaign, urging residents to make FASD visible—not hidden.

Visibility and momentum matter. County recognition helps leaders and organizations coordinate policy, education, and events that keep prevention front and center.

• Public recognition keeps Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders on the agenda year-round.
• Visibility makes prevention messages easier to share in schools, clinics, and workplaces.
• County leadership opens doors for partnerships that expand education and early intervention.

These steps move communities from awareness to measurable impact by replacing isolated efforts with a coordinated plan.

Personal Advocacy and Real-World Impact: How Families Push Awareness Forward

Spencer Munns and his wife, Lindsey, adopted two children affected by FASD and turned their lived experience into action.

“We are launching a fight against FASD, starting with a day of awareness,” said Munns. “It’s a key step, considering that over 80% of individuals living with FASD are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.”

In his awareness video “Chasing Hope,” he calls FASD a “hidden epidemic”—a disability that often goes unseen. “You can’t look inside the brain and see where one in a billion connections didn’t develop,” he explains. “We want to give those who are suffering the chance to identify the cause of their challenges and the tools to thrive.”

The public health stakes are clear: Among women who drink during pregnancy, 1 in 13 delivers a child with FASD. You may not see the injury, but families feel the effects every day.

Turning awareness into prevention, support, and accountability takes shared commitments. Communities can stand with families living with FASD by prioritizing:

• Prevention messaging: Share a consistent, simple truth—alcohol and pregnancy do not mix.
• Early identification: Encourage timely screening and referrals when neurodevelopmental concerns arise.
• Inclusive education: Equip schools and caregivers with FASD-informed strategies that reduce stigma and improve outcomes.
• Coordinated care: Connect families to services across health, education, and social supports.
• Accountability: Track outcomes and require agencies and systems to deliver prompt diagnosis, services, and support.

When communities honor these commitments, families gain tools and allies who understand FASD. They don’t have to manage complicated systems alone.

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is an umbrella term covering over 420 conditions linked to prenatal alcohol exposure.

Lifelong impacts can include low birth weight, developmental delays, learning differences, behavioral challenges, and difficulties with executive functioning.

Early recognition helps children access services sooner. Watch for these patterns and seek a careful, compassionate evaluation when they appear:

• Facial differences or growth deficiencies
• Attention, memory, and learning challenges
• Behavioral difficulties and impaired executive functioning
• Speech, language, or coordination issues

Early recognition isn’t about labels. It opens doors to tailored support and a care plan that fits a child’s real needs.

How to Participate in FASD Awareness Month Events in Orange County

Orange County is marking its proclamation with visible, community-wide actions that make prevention messages impossible to ignore.

These steps invite residents to stand in solidarity and help the truth reach every household.

• County leaders will light government buildings in red on September 9th.
• Wear red shoes to show support.
• Share accurate information about FASD in your community.
• Support advocacy and prevention programs that deliver measurable results.

Scholarship and Advocacy in Action from Bogin, Munns & Munns

As part of a broader push for visibility and education, Bogin, Munns & Munns established a scholarship to empower future advocates.

“The scholarship is one way we can help spread awareness while supporting the next generation of leaders committed to this cause,” Munns said.

Here are the key details:

• Award: $2,500 FASD Awareness Scholarship
• Frequency: Awarded annually
• Eligibility: Students personally affected by FASD or committed to advancing awareness, research, and advocacy
• Contact listed in the release: FASD@boginmunns.com

Opportunities like this can spark lifelong leadership and keep FASD education and prevention on the public agenda.

Cooper Elliott Supports FASD Awareness Month with a Focus on Accountability and Change

FASD Awareness Month is about more than events. It’s about honoring families, preventing harm, and building systems that meet real needs. Orange County’s proclamation and community action offer a clear roadmap: tell the truth about risk, fund early diagnosis and services, and coordinate around families instead of leaving them to fend for themselves. Accountability belongs with systems—not with parents who lacked information or support. When leaders act, children get a stronger chance to thrive and communities move closer to justice.

We understand the weight families carry. If you’re seeking guidance or support around FASD and its impact, we’re here to help. You deserve clear answers, concrete options, and an advocate by your side. If a hospital, school, or agency ignored warnings, delayed diagnosis, or denied services, we can help you pursue answers and hold the right parties responsible. Reach out to Cooper Elliott to discuss how we can work together to push for change and support families in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FASD and how does it affect children?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders describe a range of conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Children may face learning, behavioral, and physical challenges that call for early and ongoing support.

What FASD Awareness Month events are happening in Orange County?

Orange County will light government buildings in red and encourages residents to join the Red Shoes Rock campaign. Partners across the community are sharing accurate information and supporting prevention programs.

How does the Red Shoes Rock campaign support FASD awareness?

Red Shoes Rock uses a simple, visible symbol—wearing red shoes—to start conversations about prevention and support. The campaign helps communities stand in solidarity with families affected by FASD.

Are there FASD scholarship opportunities for students?

Yes. The $2,500 FASD Awareness Scholarship is awarded annually to students affected by FASD or committed to advocacy and research. Programs like this help grow leadership and keep awareness strong.

How can I take action to support FASD Awareness Month and seek systemic change?

Wear red shoes, share accurate information, and support advocacy and prevention programs in your community. Collective action drives resources toward prevention, early diagnosis, and coordinated care. We’re here to help you take the next step.