Challenges of Parenting Children with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Concept Map

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to describe the challenges of parents of children with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Nineteen birth, foster or adoptive parents were asked to answer the following question: “What are the challenges you face parenting a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?” The data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Eight clusters resulted. Parents reported the challenges of preventing setbacks in their children's behavior, making time for themselves, making and keeping immediate and longer-term plans with their child, collaborating with the school, keeping the child involved in social activities, keeping their family involved in social activities, being heard by professionals, and managing their child's behavior problems. The themes were consistent with the literature on parenting children with a FASD, with the exception that participants in the study indicated that they found a lack of respect from professionals with whom they came into contact, challenging.