International FASD Awareness Month is here! 

September is the perfect time to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), share knowledge and resources, celebrate those with FASD, and end the stigma around the disability. This year’s theme, Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action!, reminds us that each of us can help create safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for people with FASD. 

Read on to discover how individuals and advocates can be part of FASD Month 2025. 

Learn how you play a part 

FASD affects an estimated 4% of Canadians – more than autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome combined. That means you probably interact with someone with FASD every day without even realizing it! 

This September, take action by: 

• Learning the basics of FASD 
• Sharing what you know with friends, family, and colleagues 
• Attending local or virtual FASD events 
• Wearing red to show your support 

Across Canada and beyond, landmarks will light up red to mark FASD Month. Gather a group, dress in red, and join in this powerful show of solidarity! 

Red shoes have become an iconic symbol thanks to Canadian advocate RJ Formanek and the Red Shoes Rock movement – representing strength, visibility, and power for the FASD community. Don’t have red shoes? Any red clothing works! 

And don’t forget to talk about FASD online. Use our free graphics and social media toolkit to start conversations and spread accurate information. 

Choose alcohol-free alternatives 

By opting for alcohol-free alternatives, we can play a crucial role in promoting a healthier and safer environment for everyone, especially for women and gender diverse individuals who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Partners, friends, and family play an important role in supporting healthy pregnancies. At your next social event, choose mocktails over cocktails!  

You can help support healthy pregnancies by:  

• Going alcohol-free with your pregnant friend, partner, or family member 
• Providing alcohol-free alternatives  
• Hosting alcohol-free events 

Advocate for people with FASD 

Change doesn’t happen in isolation – it happens when communities speak up, stay engaged, and hold leaders accountable. This FASD Month, you can make your voice heard: reach out to your MP and let them know Canada needs a National FASD Framework. 

Here’s some real inspiration from community members who took action during the election earlier this year and leading up to FASD Month: 

• “I attended a candidates’ forum and spoke with representatives from the Conservative, Liberal, and NDP parties. The NDP candidate followed up with a meeting, asked informed questions, and expressed strong support for a National FASD Framework. The Liberal candidate promised to learn more via CanFASD, and the Conservative candidate reiterated support. I also booked a meeting with my MLA. Encouraging signs all around!”
• “I was at a political event tonight with Pierre Poilievre. In the 10 seconds [I had], I got to talk to him about the National FASD Framework. I presented him with a pin that is a pair of red running shoes and I asked him to remember us on September 9th for FASD Awareness Day. It was one of those times I was glad to be able to speak clearly, quickly and put in a plug for our FASD community. I am going to follow this up with a letter to Pierre.” 

These stories show that every action counts. Members of Parliament and Government Leaders hold the power to make the much-needed National FASD Framework a reality. Whoever your government representative is, this FASD Month is the perfect time to speak up and spread the word! 

Senator Dawn Anderson with Darren Joslin, Kathy Unsworth and Christian Whalen 

MP Pierre Poilievre with Marsha Wilson

Audrey McFarlane and Kathy Unsworth on a virtual meeting with MP Brendan Hanley

Teach and encourage support 

If you have any children in your life, a great place to start in teaching them about FASD is through children’s resources like ‘What is Your Superpower?’. Hannah Denberg’s book beautifully showcases the strength of individuals with FASD. It also underscores how we can all contribute to fostering a positive impact in their lives. Tailored for families, educators, and young readers alike, this heartwarming book is bound to inspire greater awareness and encourage readers to embrace and celebrate differences. 

Share your stories 

If you have living experience of FASD, you can make a difference this month by: 

• Joining advocacy groups like Red Shoes Rock or She Recovers 
• Participating in research 
• Attending conferences like the Canada FASD Conference 

Stories like Dorothy Fenwick’s poem about inclusion in FASD research and Niall Schofield’s blog on workforce education, interprovincial collaboration, and societal impacts highlight the importance of lived experience in driving change. 

Everyone has a part to play this FASD Awareness Month. Learn, advocate, celebrate, and share your story – together, we can make a difference!