Current and ideal living arrangements and supports for Canadian adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)—Part I: Perspectives from adults with FASD

Abstract

BackgroundAdults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) can thrive with lifelong support in daily living activities. Previous research examining living support for adults with FASD has heavily relied on caregiver reports rather than lived experiences, which can undermine opportunities for self‐determination. In this study, we examined the perspectives of adults with FASD to better understand: (1) the ways in which they are supported with daily life activities; and (2) their ideal future living arrangements and supports.MethodsThis article presents findings from the perspective of adults with FASD as part of a broader project involving both adults with FASD and the caregivers who support them. Interviews were conducted with four Canadian adults with FASD who live in housing with supportive services and seven adults with FASD who live at home with the support of caregivers. Framework analyses, a structured approach to analyzing qualitative data, were used to examine participants' perspectives.ResultsIn addition to providing support for previous findings, participants provided novel information regarding: (1) their daily living supports; (2) positive and negative aspects of their arrangements; and (3) ideal living environments and supports.ConclusionsThis study offers insight into participants' perspectives regarding their living support, which is critical to inform housing and aid in self‐determination. Areas of support outlined by participants can be used to begin conversations regarding the support required in housing arrangements for adults with FASD.

Current and ideal living arrangements and supports for Canadian adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Part II—Perspectives from caregivers

“…The seven stages were followed in this study, and a combination of inductive and deductive approaches were used. Details regarding how the stages were implemented and the establishment of trustworthy, credible, and dependable qualitative data quality as per the recommendations of Lincoln and Guba (1985) can be found in our companion article (Gault et al, 2024).…”

“…Findings from this work highlight the range of daily living supports provided by caregivers, their strategies for successfully implementing these supports, their hopes for the future living arrangements and support of the adults with FASD they live with, and a pressing need for policy change directed toward developing FASD-informed, available, affordable, and appropriate housing and services for Canadian adults with FASD. See Part I of this series for perspectives of adults with FASD on these areas (Gault et al, 2024).…”

“…This article is the second of two companion articles. For the first article, which explores the perspectives of adults with FASD, seeGault et al, 2024.…”