New York Association for Brain Injured Children (d/b/a Learning Disabilities Association of New York State)

Nearly 40,000 newborns are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrums Disorders (FASD) nationwide each year, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration.

FASD encompasses a range of birth defects and other conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure, including learning disabilities, related neurological impairments, mental health disorders, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). FAS is characterized by growth deficiencies, central nervous system dysfunction, and certain facial features. FAS alone may cost the nation up to $6 billion each year, with one FAS-afflicted individual incurring at least $2 million in health care expenditures over his or her lifetime. In addition, the implications of FASD are far-reaching, and can include the exhibition of challenging behaviors, disrupted school experiences, involvement with the criminal justice system, and/or alcohol and drug problems.

LDANYS has developed partnerships for training with many New York agencies, such as the New York State Head Start/Early Head Start Program, and will conduct 15 FASD trainings for more than 500 New York State professionals working in the fields of health, developmental disabilities, education, mental health, corrections, adoption and child welfare, and juvenile justice. In addition, LDANYS has developed a comprehensive FASD curriculum, a FASD marketing brochure, and pre- and post-evaluation tools.