Identifying effective approaches to support parents and caregivers of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

ABSTRACT

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is used "to describe a broader spectrum of presentations and disabilities resulting from alcohol exposure in utero."(1) FASD affects fetal and brain development and may result in limitations to any of an individual's memory; sensory integration; social communication; language processing; emotional regulation; adaptive functioning; and other executive functions that may make conforming to social, behavioural and cognitive expectations difficult.(2; 3) These effects may mean that individuals affected by FASD are unable to live independently, have difficulty securing employment, and experience behavioural challenges that increase their risk of being in conflict with the law.