Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: What is it, and Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, affecting cognitive, behavioral, and physical development. As the most prevalent neurobehavioral disability in the U.S., FASD often goes undiagnosed due to subtle or hidden symptoms. This webinar will explore the unique challenges of diagnosing FASD, common early signs in young children, and essential strategies for early intervention to support healthy development and long-term success.

By the end of this webinar, you will:
-Learn why FASD is the leading, yet underdiagnosed, neurobehavioral disability in the U.S.
-Understand why FASD is difficult to diagnose and learn ways to detect early signs in children.
-Gain tools for early diagnosis and intervention to improve long-term outcomes.

Meet the Presenter:
Annette Kunzman is President and Founder of FASD Network of Southern California, a 501(c) nonprofit and affiliate of FASD United, providing information, training, and support to individuals with FASD and their caregivers and professionals. In 2020, Annette was instrumental in forming the California alliance FASDNow! This group of FASD professionals and nonprofits successfully advocated for the recent change to the California Education Code to include FASD under Other Health Impairments for special education services. FASDNow is currently working on a strategic plan for FASD in California. Annette holds a Master’s degree in Administration from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. She became certified as a Chartered Financial Analyst in 1988. After a long career in commercial lending and investment management, Annette “retired” in 2006 to focus full-time on her young children, who were dealing with issues later diagnosed as FASD-related.

Live Spanish interpretation provided

This Zoom webinar series is offered to FIRST 5 partners and other local professionals who support children with disabilities, such as early interventionists, social workers, home visitors, child care, preschool providers, family resource center staff, therapeutic service providers, and parents.

Funded by a generous grant from FIRST 5 Santa Clara County.

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