International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day is celebrated on September 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you may want to know about International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day.

📅 What day is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day 2024?

In 2024, International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day is on Saturday, September 9th. It is the 2nd Saturday in September; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all intriguing details and facts about September 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on September 9, we observe “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day” (FASD) to raise awareness about the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. Countries, states, provinces, and cities all over the world issue proclamations urging pregnant women to abstain from alcohol. Since there is no known safe amount of alcohol for pregnant women, it is the responsibility of the entire community to promote alcohol-free pregnancies. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can have long-lasting physical, behavioral, and neurological effects on children. Let’s come together on International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day to increase understanding and knowledge about this crucial issue.

📜 International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day History

The negative effects of this therapy were not known until two doctors brought attention to it. In 1973, Drs. Kenneth Lyons Jones and David Weyhe Smith from the University of Washington Medical School coined the term “fetal alcohol syndrome.” They observed a pattern of physical and developmental abnormalities in eight infants born to alcoholic mothers, including malformations in the skull, face, limbs, and heart, as well as growth insufficiency and delays.

Due to the varying timing and amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy, the features of fetal alcohol syndrome can differ from one child to another. This poses a challenge for diagnosticians as the absence of obvious symptoms often leads to it being overlooked. People with FASD commonly experience memory problems, slow thinking, and hyperactive behavior, among other symptoms.

On September 9, 1999, the first International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day was observed. This day was created by Bonnie Buxton and Brian Philcox, parents of children with fetal alcohol syndrome, along with Teresa Kellerman, director of the FAS Community Resource Center in Arizona. September 9 was chosen as a reminder that women should avoid alcohol for the entire nine months of pregnancy, as it symbolizes the ninth day of the ninth month of the year.

✅ International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day Facts

🔖 No alcohol is safe
Pregnant women should avoid consuming any alcoholic beverages, as they can be harmful, regardless of their alcohol content.

🔖 Avoiding alcohol can prevent birth defects
Drinking alcohol is the primary factor contributing to preventable birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States.

🔖 Worrying news from the CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately one out of every eight women drinks four or more alcoholic beverages in a single sitting.

👍 Why Is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day Important

Because FASD is avoidable, pregnant mothers who avoid alcohol may be confident that their infants will be born healthy.

More individuals need to be aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant. This day is ideal for raising awareness.

Families celebrate when their baby is born healthy. This holiday promotes healthier children and happier families.

🙂 How To Observe International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

⚡ Share on social media

⚡ Put on red shoes and stand out
Come and be a part of the “Red Shoes Rock” movement created by RJ Formanek, an individual with FASD. RJ decided to wear red shoes as a way to grab attention and enjoy starting conversations about FASD with others.

⚡ Organize a local F.A.S.D awareness event
Share information about FASD on social media to raise awareness. When sharing, remember to use the hashtag #FASDAwareness.

📅 When is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day?

Explore all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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