Weill Cornell Medicine supports passage of Assembly Bill A999 and Senate Bill S382, which would modify the 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.
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). 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.