Caregivers' management of schooling for their children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Lived experience of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A qualitative scoping review

AIM

To explore the lived experiences of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), their caregivers, and professionals working with individuals with FASD.

METHOD

We conducted a scoping review using qualitative methods to explore what it is like to live with FASD from the perspective of those living with FASD, their caregivers, and stakeholders experienced in working with individuals with FASD. We searched electronic databases and grey literature for research published between 2005 and 2022.

RESULTS

The 47 studies included in this scoping review show that FASD affects people's lives on a daily basis. Individuals with FASD are aware of their disability and its effects. Caregivers face daily challenges raising children with FASD and are often left unsupported by professionals. Professionals are unprepared and frustrated when supporting someone with FASD.

INTERPRETATION

FASD affects individuals, caregivers, and families on a daily basis; and they require improved support and funding.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Professionals are overwhelmed and frustrated because of a lack of training and organizational support with regard to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Extends on previous reviews with the inclusion of grey literature and professionals. FASD is a highly stigmatized disorder that affects individuals with FASD, and their caregivers and families, on a daily basis. Research is needed exploring the experiences of adults living with FASD and their siblings. There is a lack of research involving indigenous populations and their experience with FASD.

"I'm Doing My Part, I Just Need Help From the Community": Intervention Implications of Foster and Adoptive Parents' Experiences Raising Children and Young Adults With FASD

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have high rates of health care service utilization. It is vital that health care professionals understand FASD and associated family experiences to strengthen their ability to respond to family needs and tailor family-focused interventions. This study included 24 foster and adoptive parents of children and adults (aged 3-33 years) with FASD. Data were collected via individual interviews and focus groups and analyzed thematically. Consistent with a developmental psychopathology perspective, parents' experiences interacted with the individual (with FASD), family, and broader systems ecological levels. Parents undertook protective actions in an attempt to prevent secondary conditions, support their child and family, and mitigate systems barriers. They also experienced stressors at each level, and stress was increased by protective actions. The overall parenting experience was fueled by a protective parenting attitude. Findings can strengthen family-focused care practices with individuals with FASD and their families and inform novel family interventions.

Experiences of living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative data

AIM

To identify and assess available evidence from qualitative studies exploring experiences of individuals living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) or those living with a child with FASD, as well as experiences of interventions aimed at supporting individuals with FASD and their families.

METHOD

A systematic literature search was conducted in six electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Included studies were analysed using manifest content analysis. Methodological limitations and confidence in the evidence were assessed using a modified version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research approach respectively.

RESULTS

Findings from 18 studies show that individuals with FASD experience a variation of disabilities, ranging from somatic problems, high pain tolerance, destructive behaviour, hyperactivity, and aggressiveness, to social problems with friendship, school attendance, and maintenance of steady employment. Most studies reported parents' experiences with FASD; parenting was viewed as a lifelong engagement and that the whole family is isolated and burdened because of FASD. People with FASD feel that their difficulties affect their daily life in a limiting way and make them feel different from others.

INTERPRETATION

From the perspective of primarily parents, individuals with FASD and their parents face many different difficulties, for which they need societal support.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) feel their difficulties make them different from others. Parents think of their parenting as a lifelong engagement. There is a shortage of studies investigating experiences of children with FASD. There is a shortage of studies investigating experiences of interventions given to individuals with FASD.