Advocate Promoted Fetal Alcohol Disorder Awareness

Valerie Guimaraes has worked to increase support for families impacted by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Autism

Bold vector editorial illustration showing two resource folders on a wooden surface, representing community support and health advocacy. — Valerie Guimaraes has launched the Our Children Are Sacred project in Rochester to increase support and diagnostic resources for families impacted by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Valerie Guimaraes has launched advocacy efforts to raise awareness for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in Rochester. She collaborated with the Proof Alliance to develop the Our Children Are Sacred project, which provides resources specifically for Native American families.

Why it matters

Guimaraes aims to prevent parents from struggling to access school resources that often stem from misdiagnoses, such as confusing FASD with autism. She also works to address how stigma and bias create barriers for families seeking support for substance use disorders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms there is no safe amount, time, or type of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. FASD symptoms, which include behavioral, mental, learning, or physical issues, are sometimes misdiagnosed as autism or ADHD.

The players

Valerie Guimaraes

She is an advocate based in Rochester who focuses on improving support and awareness for families affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Proof Alliance

This Minnesota-based advocacy organization provides clinical training and resources to help identify and treat individuals with FASD.

The details

The Our Children Are Sacred project creates tailored resources for Native American families to help navigate health and education systems. Meanwhile, the Minnesota-based Proof Alliance equips clinicians with essential training for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of these disorders.

September 23, 2026: Article publication date.

The Big Picture

The awareness efforts in Rochester follow the diagnostic framework and public health standards established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FASD guidelines. This local work extends national efforts to clarify the behavioral and physical origins of these birth defects.

Families in the area can access new resources through the Our Children Are Sacred project to better navigate health screenings and school support systems. Clinicians and parents are also encouraged to consider FASD as a potential cause for behavioral issues often misidentified as autism.

The takeaway

Understanding the behavioral symptoms of FASD can help families secure appropriate educational support and medical intervention earlier. By reducing the stigma around prenatal alcohol exposure, communities can create more accessible pathways for children to receive accurate diagnoses.