Author: sHq_LoGiNz

By Mary Kirchoff, CEO of Wonderland Child & Family Services / Hope Rising Clinic

BOTHELL, Wash., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A recent article highlighted a child navigating life with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and like so many stories, it was framed as something rare or unusual. But the truth is—it’s not.

In fact, it’s not even close to rare.

Right here in Washington State, over 165,000 children are estimated to be living with the effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) or Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE). PSE refers to the exposure of a developing fetus to alcohol or other substances during pregnancy, a reality that cuts across all socioeconomic lines, affecting families in every corner of our communities.  PSE is statistically four times more prevalent than and often misdiagnosed as autism.

These are not isolated cases. These are students in our schools, children in our neighborhoods, and caregivers doing everything they can to find answers and support.

Diagnoses related to FASD are often delayed or missed entirely, sometimes not formally recognized until adolescence or adulthood. And while there is no cure for this brain-based disability, what we do know is that early intervention changes outcomes. With the right support, children impacted by PSE can build strong relationships, develop skills, and thrive alongside their peers.

We have to start by changing the conversation.

In a world where stigma, shame, and blame still shape much of the media coverage around PSE, we must center our focus not on why it happened, but on what children and families need now. At Hope Rising Clinic, a division of Wonderland Child & Family Services, we know deeply that the cause of a child’s disability is secondary to their right to compassionate care, critical services, and long-term support.

Sensationalizing someone’s diagnosis does not create change. What does? Recognizing that PSEs are brain-based disabilities that, like so many others, deserve appropriate education, funding, and system-wide support to positively change the lives of those affected.

Every day, we work with children who have experienced PSE and families navigating complex and often siloed systems of care. What they need is understanding—not judgment. Connection—not confusion. What they deserve is a coordinated system of support that sees the whole child, not just the diagnosis.

It is our responsibility—as a community, as a state, and as a society—to provide that.

PSE isn’t rare. It’s a very real “silent” epidemic. And it’s growing in a post-pandemic, cuts-to-Medicaid world

We urge funders, policymakers, health systems, and community leaders to step forward—to invest in early identification, fund trauma-informed care, train professionals across sectors, and listen to families who are too often overlooked.

These children are not problems to be solved. They are full of possibilities. And we owe it to them—and to each other—to do better.

Hope RISING Clinic  
Hope RISING Clinic, founded in 2019 by Wonderland Child & Family Services, provides specialized care for children and families affected by prenatal substance exposure. Through a comprehensive, trauma-informed service model, the clinic addresses the developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs of children impacted by PSE, while offering family-focused support programs to ensure lasting positive outcomes. For more information, visit hoperisingclinic.org.

Contact: 
Claire Lee  
Sr. Marketing Specialist 
425-281-5653 
clee@wonderlandkids.org 

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SOURCE Hope Rising Clinic

–  2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $30,290¹
–  Standard and X-Line models blend comfort and functionality
–  Styling enhancements further elevate the Sportage Hybrid’s distinctly modern and sleek design
–  Robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)² include available Highway Drive Assist 2 with Lane Change Assist technology³

IRVINE, Calif., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Kia America announced pricing on the 2026 Sportage Hybrid. This year’s Sportage HEV features exterior design enhancements accompanied by upgraded interior technology, providing users with greater functionality across the board.

The 2026 Sportage HEV provides an updated appearance with modernized front and rear bumper designs, a unique front grill design and eye-catching black trim. Aside from its attractive outer appearance, the Sportage HEV continues to blend dynamism and strength.

A Cabin Aimed at Connectivity, Comfort and Convenience

Accompanying the confident and rugged exterior, the cutting-edge interior boasts an available 12.3-in Digital TFT Cluster + 12.3-in. ccNC Navigation, an available head-up display (HUD)⁴ and multiple standard USB accessibility points. Sleek accent trim with reduced smudging, ambient lighting design and available SynTex seating creates a premium space with enhanced technology and state-of-the-art comfort.

Available interior technology includes:

• Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC): Standard 12.3-in. ccNC Lite + OTA w/ wireless Apple CarPlay⁵ and Android Auto⁶
• Digital Key 2.0⁷: Allows for keyless entry and lets you share your keys virtually with family & friends through the Kia Access app
• Head-up Display⁴: 10-in. display projects ADAS, vehicle information, and turn-by-turn directions for navigation

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems²

The 2026 Sportage HEV provides advanced technology to help keep drivers alert when operating the vehicle:

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist: Auto Emergency Braking with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Car Detection uses sensors and camera to scan the road ahead for potential hazards and is designed to automatically apply brakes when a potential collision is detected.
• Standard Front & Rear Parking Distance Warning: Parking feature that is designed to detect obstacles and pedestrians in front and rear.
• Hands-On Detection: Using capacitive touch sensor that detects the driver’s hands on the steering wheel, it issues a warning if it’s not detecting the driver’s hands touching the steering wheel.

Additionally, available driver assistance technology can be included in the 2026 Sportage HEV.

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2: Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Car Detection uses sensors, camera, and navigation data. Assists w/ braking with oncoming vehicles at intersections and can assist w/ evasive steering when a potential collision is detected.
• Side Parking Distance Warning: Parking feature that is designed to detect obstacles on both sides.
• Highway Driving Assist 2⁸: Maintains a predetermined speed and distance from the vehicle detected ahead using sensors, camera and navigation data, assists w/ steering wheel control when changing lanes.

Hybrid Powertrain

The 2026 Sportage HEV powertrain is defined by:

• 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) and 47.7kW motor (revised system)
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• Standard FWD and AWD⁹ in available trims (S, EX, X-Line, X-Line Prestige)
• 232 horsepower est. (+5 HP over previous model year)
• 2000 lb. towing capacity¹⁰

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. 

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert

* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges.  Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.
² Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
³ Highway Driving Assist 2 is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects around the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways.  Always drive safely and use caution.
⁴ Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
⁵ Apple® and Apple CarPlay® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple CarPlay® runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates may apply.
⁶ Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible.
⁷ Kia Digital Key 2 Touch requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device.
⁸ Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
⁹ No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.
¹⁰ Towing required additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instruction and warning. Always use caution while towing.

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SOURCE Kia America