I Have FASD Advocacy Cards: Helping Me Be Understood
"Sometimes I may know what I need but be unable to explain it - especially when I am overwhelmed, frightened, tired or under pressure."
The “I Have FASD” advocacy cards give a discreet way to communicate important information about needs, risks and preferred support.
You can simply hand over the card.
You do not have to disclose everything aloud, find the right words or rely on someone else to explain.
In their own words
The following are lived-experience quotes from young people and adults….
“People often think that because I can speak well, I understand everything they are saying. Sometimes I am masking, and sometimes I need more time. The card explains that without making me feel embarrassed.”
“When I am stressed, my words can disappear even though I know what I want to say. I can hand someone my card and they understand that I need them to slow down, use fewer words and give me time.”
“I do not want everyone looking at me while somebody explains my FASD. I can pass them the card quietly. It helps them know what I need without making a big thing of it.”
“Sometimes I say yes because I want the questions to stop, not because I understand. My card reminds adults to check with me, give me processing time and not put words in my mouth.”
Handing over the card can change the conversation.
It explains that speaking well does not always mean I understand.
I may need more time.
Fewer words may help.
Clear information may help.
Repetition may help.
Calm support may help.
The card shows people how to support me safely and with respect.
What is included?
This discounted pack contains one of each of our FASD-informed “I Have FASD” wallet cards:
Communication
Education
Caregiver Card: I Need Help!
Medical Information Card
Caregiver Card: Do Not Intervene!
Police & the Criminal Justice System
A practical tool for self-advocacy
These cards are designed to empower people with FASD to advocate for themselves across education, care, healthcare and contact with the police or criminal justice system. They do not define the person or replace individual planning. They provide a clear starting point, helping professionals pause, reduce demands, check understanding and make appropriate environmental accommodations.
Each card is endorsed by experts and members of the FASD community who have supported this project.
Please share them widely and help more people move from limited awareness towards genuinely FASD-informed, responsive practice.
Important information
Medical disclaimer: This FASD Medical Advocacy Card is designed to support communication, understanding and advocacy only. It is not a medical record, diagnosis, treatment plan or replacement for professional medical advice, individual care planning or emergency services.
Education card disclaimer: This FASD Education Advocacy Card is designed to support communication, understanding and advocacy in education settings only. It is not a formal diagnosis, behaviour plan, risk assessment, EHCP, individual education plan or replacement for professional advice, school policies, safeguarding procedures or statutory assessment processes. Schools, colleges and education providers should continue to follow their duties, policies and legal responsibilities when supporting learners with FASD.
Care card disclaimer: This FASD Care Advocacy Card is designed to support communication, understanding and advocacy in care and support settings only. It is not a care plan, safeguarding plan, risk assessment, diagnosis, capacity assessment or replacement for professional advice, regulated care procedures, local authority guidance or emergency services. Care providers, support workers and family carers should continue to follow agreed care plans, safeguarding duties, professional guidance and their legal responsibilities when supporting people with FASD.
Legal disclaimer: This FASD Police Advocacy Card is designed to support communication, understanding and advocacy only. It is not legal advice, does not replace professional legal representation, and should not be relied upon as guidance about legal rights, police powers, PACE procedures or criminal investigations. Anyone involved in police contact, arrest, custody or questioning should ask for free and independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor and request appropriate support where needed.
© FASD Informed UK