The scope of supportive housing for adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a rapid review

Abstract

Objectives Many individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) face challenges accessing suitable housing support, which increases the likelihood of adverse outcomes and daily living difficulties that can persist throughout adulthood. Our rapid review assesses the current scope of literature that reports on existing housing programs and supports for adults with FASD. Methods PubMed, Social Work, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Sociological s, and Social Services s were searched to identify published peer-reviewed articles. Grey literature was identified through a Google search strategy and a manual search through FASD-specific organizational websites in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. A total of 866 citations were screened in Covidence, nine of which met the inclusion criteria for analysis: five peer-reviewed articles and four grey literature sources. Results Adults with FASD face significant barriers when accessing supportive housing services. The findings underscore the need for FASD-informed approaches to foster interdependence among adults, their families, and support networks. Conclusions Supportive housing programs for adults with FASD are sparse, and existing programs often fall short of addressing the holistic needs of these individuals. Future research prioritizing the lived and living experiences of adults accessing support, focusing on the effectiveness of specific support strategies, is warranted.