Use this new 1-pager to ask your legislators to Fund FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) affect as many as 1 in 20 Americans, more than most other comparable disabilities, yet FASD receives only a fraction of the federal investment. FASD programs have been underfunded for years, and until the passage of the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act of 2025, these programs had no federal authorization at all. But even though Congress passed a law saying there should be an investment in FASD, no new funds have been appropriated to make it happen.
That is because authorization is only the permission to act. Now, Congress must follow through by funding FASD programs through appropriations. An authorization sets an intention and says what amount of money can and should be spent on something. Appropriations set the actual dollar amount that goes to these programs, and this is done every single year. This appropriations process is the perfect time for you to tell Congress to Fund FASD.
The case for investing is clear: Congress has funded FASD research and awareness, but not the systems that get people identified and connected to care. We know those systems work, because we have watched them work for other conditions. Sustained federal investment in autism built a trained workforce, produced early-intervention models that pay for themselves, and helped states get better at screening and diagnosis.
FASD has no comparable infrastructure, because there has not been a comparable investment. The result is that only a small fraction of those with an FASD are ever diagnosed, and most never reach the services they are already eligible for. The support exists, but the capacity to deliver the supports to families must be strengthened.
This requires your legislators to be FASD-informed and to understand the need to Fund FASD. You can help by sharing your experience with your two Senators and one Representative and asking them to follow through on Congress’ intent and Fund FASD.
To help you, FASD United has developed the Fund FASD One-Pager. This resource can be sent to your two Senators and one Representative to help them understand how FASD is currently funded and how a modest investment can support families and strengthen the systems of care we all rely on.
Congress authorized these programs. Now, you can help Congress Fund FASD.
Email [email protected] for help scheduling a meeting with your legislator or with any questions.
