Supporting Adults Living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Achieving Community Integration: A Complex Task

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an all-encompassing term that refers to specific diagnoses resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure which cause a multitude of social and adaptive deficits for children that will typically become more pronounced as they age. These probable, lifelong deficits suggest that adults are likely to need unique supports throughout their lives for successful community integration. The purpose of this study was to explore the complex aspects of community integration for adults living with FASD. Using a qualitative design, four participants, who identified as a caregiver to an adult child with FASD, were interviewed regarding what types of services and supports are utilized, what barriers have been faced, and what still may be needed by adults living with FASD to enhance community integration. Data were analyzed using both inductive and deductive approaches in which reoccurring concepts present in the data were identified. These concepts were then organized into themes and subthemes and then linked to previous literature. The findings indicate that adults living with FASD had a very active caregiver in their life to help with service coordination, organizing and planning, and to act as a safety net. All of the caregivers reported that their adult children have utilized both formal and informal supports to supplement community integration and all had also faced systemic barriers to access supports. In addition, all participants were able to identify both struggles and successes that their adult children experienced with autonomy in community integration. These findings indicate that adults living with FASD do need supports and are likely in need of unique supports and services for optimal community integration which points to the need for continued research into the complex aspects of community integration for adults living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND FASD 2 Acknowledgement First, and foremost, I would like to extend gratitude to David Roseborough, my research chair. Thank you for you constant encouragement, your support throughout this entire year, and your patience with me. You made this processes enjoyable; you never stopped pushing me to meet my expectations; you really made this experience a gift that I will never forget. Thank you David! I would also like to thank the seven other students that went through this research project with me in David’s presence. You are all fantastic individuals and are going to be amazing social workers. Thank you! I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me throughout my life to reach for my goals—no matter how small or big. Your encouragement will never be forgotten. Thank you Mom, for instilling social work values in me at such a young age. I do not think that there is any other profession for me. Dad, thank you for letting me be forever your little girl. I look up to you; I hope to have the dedication and work ethic that I have always seen in you. Next, I would like to thank my wonderful husband. Thank you for taking care of me for the past four years. Without your support and love, I do not think I could have come this far. I am truly blessed to have you in my life and cannot wait to see what life brings us next. Thank you for everything, Amin. Finally, I would like to thank my sponsoring organization for helping me with recruitment. I would like to thank the wonderful caregivers I had the honor of interviewing. Thank you for candidly sharing your stories and experiences. I dedicate this paper to all individuals living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and all caregivers out there who are supporting children living with FASD. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND FASD 3 Table of