September 9, 1999 was the first official day marking awareness for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. 9/9 is an annual celebration for International FASD Awareness Day to promote education and awareness efforts.
FASDs are more common than Autism and Down Syndrome
Current diagnoses are based on varying degrees of impact. This is determined through disclosure of alcohol use while pregnant, observation, assessments, measurements, and behavior. Receiving a correct diagnosis is challenging for the majority of individuals affected. Appropriate services are even harder to access. No amount of alcohol has been proven safe during gestation.