Parenting with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Submitted on Friday, 8 January 2010
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Abstract
This paper focuses on issues associated with parenting and living with FASD. It is based on a larger research and video production
project that examined the challenges, accomplishments and support needs of adults with FASD in relation to parenting, employment
and the legal system. Using theoretical sampling techniques, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with a total
of 59 people from 5 diverse communities in British Columbia; of these, 15 were adults with (suspected) FASD. Findings presented
in this article relate to parents’ hopes, goals and accomplishments, parenting challenges, experiences with the child welfare
system, and perceived barriers to support, including policy-related barriers. Findings also revealed prevailing ignorance
about the nature of FASD and the day-to-day support needs of those living with FASD, which potentially have profound implications
from both a health and a social justice perspective. For example, parents experienced reluctance to seek assistance for their
secondary disabilities related to FASD (e.g., substance use or mental health problems), for fear of that their needs for support
would be viewed as evidence of their parenting incapability. Highlighted will be directions for positive policy and practice-related
change in working with parents with FASD.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-009-9264-7
- Authors
- Deborah Rutman, University of Victoria Research Initiatives for Social Change unit, School of Social Work Victoria British Columbia Canada
- Marilyn Van Bibber, Qualicum Beach British Columbia Canada
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874
- Journal Volume Volume 8
- Journal Issue Volume 8, Number 2 / April, 2010
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