Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) supports a modification of New York State’s mental hygiene law to add Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), including fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, to the definition of developmental disability. FASD has become more widely recognized and recent studies suggest that it impacts up to five percent of the population.
As with other developmental disabilities, such as autism, New Yorkers who are diagnosed often
need assistance with employment, housing and several other factors important for quality-of-life
and survival. The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
coordinates the provision of such services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.
FASD is not currently included in the statutory definition of developmental disability and this
prevents patients with FASD from receiving services from OPWDD such as family services (i.e.
in-home behavioral supports), recreation and socialization services (specialized recreational
camps), and employment assistance (i.e. job training and coaches).
Additionally, OPWDD can provide needed assistive technology such as an electronic
communication device that allows individuals with varying communication abilities to be able to
connect with other individuals. Lastly, many individuals with FASD need extra support to learn
the skills to live independently while others want to remain in their family home but require
support to do that. For children, OPWDD can provide supports that can help them live at home
more safely.
Absent the appropriate level of support, individuals with FASD are at high risk for adverse life
experiences, such as mental health problems, trouble with the law, school disruption, and
substance abuse. Research shows an early diagnosis and appropriate developmental disability
services can help prevent these problems. FASD has no cure and, though treatment can improve
outcomes, the disability remains present.