Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have high rates of health care service utilization. It is vital that health care professionals understand FASD and associated family experiences to strengthen their ability to respond to family needs and tailor family-focused interventions. This study included 24 foster and adoptive parents of children and adults (aged 3-33 years) with FASD. Data were collected via individual interviews and focus groups and analyzed thematically. Consistent with a developmental psychopathology perspective, parents' experiences interacted with the individual (with FASD), family, and broader systems ecological levels. Parents undertook protective actions in an attempt to prevent secondary conditions, support their child and family, and mitigate systems barriers. They also experienced stressors at each level, and stress was increased by protective actions. The overall parenting experience was fueled by a protective parenting attitude. Findings can strengthen family-focused care practices with individuals with FASD and their families and inform novel family interventions.
Keywords: fetal alcohol spectrum disorders; fetal alcohol syndrome; parenting; secondary conditions.