Risk and protective factors for criminality among adults with FASD

Abstract

This research explored the risk and protective factors associated with criminality among adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). While previous research has focused on identifying the factors that contribute to legal issues, there is a paucity of research on the protective factors that may lead to more positive outcomes for adults with FASD. The first paper examined the methodological issues encountered while conducting a mixed methods study on the experience of offenders and non-offenders with FASD. Difficulties with participant recruitment, the sample size, the terminology employed, and the appropriateness of psychometric measures were significant challenges that emerged during the research project. The second paper was a qualitative study that investigated the experience of adults with prenatal alcohol exposure and their families to determine the risk and protective factors for criminality. Families reported that neurobehavioural impairments such as difficulty with self-regulation and social skills deficits, combined with environmental demands that exceeded the capabilities of the individual with FASD, were important contributors to criminality. However, structure and supervision, education and employment, social and financial support, and positive peer influence were found to mitigate the risk of criminal behavior among adults with FASD. The findings from this thesis highlight the importance of including families in the research process as well as the need to have more family-centered services.