(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2013-10-10) Coons, Kelly D.
The current document is a paper-based thesis investigating the lived experiences of parents
raising children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Ontario, Canada. Historically,
researchers have approached the exploration of families with the notion that families of children
with a developmental disability would present with a pathological profile. However, a recent
paradigm shift has transitioned the focus from deficit-based outcomes to those that highlight
positive outcomes. Therefore, the first paper included is a qualitative analysis of factors that
facilitate family adaptation. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyze
semi-structured interviews with parents of children with FASD. Parents utilize a number of
coping strategies, supports, and transformational outcomes that enable them to adapt to raising
their child with FASD. The second paper included is also a qualitative analysis examining
demands that hinder family adaptation. Parents discussed five stressors that hinder successful
family adaptation. Recommendations from parents of children with FASD and implications for
increasing knowledge and awareness of the disability are discussed.
