Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Early Childhood

June 24, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 

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Summary

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of lifelong effects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. It is one of the most common developmental disabilities, affecting an estimated 1 in 20 Americans. In Texas, data suggest that approximately 8% of infants were exposed to alcohol during the last trimester of gestation alone. 

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Given this prevalence, most professionals working with young children have likely already supported a child with FASD, whether or not it was formally identified or diagnosed. 

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Despite how common it is, FASD remains widely misunderstood and stigmatized. This session emphasizes a non-judgmental, destigmatizing approach, including the reality that alcohol exposure can occur before a pregnancy is known, and that emerging research suggests that paternal alcohol use may also influence developmental outcomes. 

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It is also important to recognize that FASD is more than a brain-based condition. Although brain development and behavior are central to how FASD presents in early childhood, prenatal alcohol exposure can affect the whole body, including multiple organ systems, bones, the immune system, hearing, and vision. Understanding FASD as a whole-body condition helps professionals provide more comprehensive support. 

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This training centers on a brain-based understanding of early childhood behavior, particularly behaviors that are often labeled as “challenging” in toddlers. Participants will explore how differences in brain development can affect regulation, sensory processing, and responsiveness, as well as how reframing behavior in this way leads to more effective and supportive responses. 

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Designed as a brief introduction, this one-hour webinar provides foundational knowledge alongside practical, regulation-focused strategies that support all young children, regardless of diagnosis. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of FASD and awareness of resources and supports available to both families and professionals.

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Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:

• Define FASD and describe how prenatal alcohol exposure affects brain development, self-regulation, and behavior in infants and toddlers. 

• Explain the prevalence of FASD and why it is frequently underrecognized, particularly in early childhood. 

• Describe the whole-body impact of prenatal alcohol exposure, including how it can affect organ systems, sensory systems, and physical development. 

• Describe key factors that contribute to stigma, including misconceptions about alcohol use during pregnancy, and apply a non-judgmental, destigmatizing framework when discussing FASD. 

• Identify patterns of behavior and development that may be consistent with prenatal alcohol exposure, using an observational, strengths-based lens. 

• Explain the role of early childhood professionals in recognizing differences, documenting concerns, and supporting families.

• Explain how a brain-based understanding of toddler behavior (e.g., regulation differences, sensory needs, adaptive functioning) shifts responses to behaviors often labeled as “difficult.” 

• Recognize the benefit of regulation-focused strategies for all children, not only those with FASD. 

• Integrate caregiver perspective into practice by recognizing the emotional and practical realities families may face when concerns about development and prenatal exposure arise. 

• Identify when and how to refer families for further evaluation or support, while maintaining a supportive, non-stigmatizing approach. 

• Locate and describe resources such as FASD United Family Navigators and explain how families and professionals can access these supports. 

Presented by:

Renee Rodriguez-D'Souza, MD and Rebecca Ciesielski