Lived Experiences of Adulthood with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis of Diagnosis, Support, Employment, and Mental Health
Abstract
Background: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) encompasses lifelong neurodevelopmental difficulties that can affect cognitive, behavioural, and everyday functioning. Research and support have frequently focused on childhood and developmental outcomes, while comparatively less attention has been given to experiences of FASD during adulthood. Understanding the challenges and support needs of adults with FASD is therefore important for recognising the lifelong implications of the condition and informing appropriate support. Methods: This qualitative study explored experiences of living with FASD during adulthood, with particular attention to diagnosis, support, employment, and mental health. Secondary qualitative data were collected from publicly available online sources, including social media posts and material published by FASD support organisations. Written and transcribed material relating to personal experiences of FASD was analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes within participants' accounts. Results: The analysis identified themes relating to FASD diagnosis that were consistent with issues reported in previous research. The findings also highlighted the perceived importance of appropriate and ongoing support in adulthood. Participants' accounts indicated that support could have implications across multiple areas of life, including employment and mental health. The findings further highlighted the value of incorporating the perspectives and experiences of people living with FASD when considering education, support, and approaches to FASD prevention. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of recognising FASD as a lifelong condition and extending attention beyond childhood development to the experiences and support needs of adults. Greater consideration of the lived experiences of people with FASD may help inform approaches to adult support, education, and prevention. Further research involving adults with FASD is warranted to better understand their long-term experiences and identify effective forms of support across different areas of adult life.
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BibTeX
@misc{quinn2026lived,
title = {{Lived Experiences of Adulthood with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis of Diagnosis, Support, Employment, and Mental Health}},
author = {Hannah Quinn and Samuel Bennett},
howpublished = {PsyArXiv},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.31234/osf.io/qw5xa_v1},
url = {https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/qw5xa_v1/},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Lived Experiences of Adulthood with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis of Diagnosis, Support, Employment, and Mental Health
AU - Hannah Quinn
AU - Samuel Bennett
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/21
PB - PsyArXiv
DO - 10.31234/osf.io/qw5xa_v1
UR - https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/qw5xa_v1/
AB - Background: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) encompasses lifelong neurodevelopmental difficulties that can affect cognitive, behavioural, and everyday functioning. Research and support have frequently focused on childhood and developmental outcomes, while comparatively less attention has been given to experiences of FASD during adulthood. Understanding the challenges and support needs of adults with FASD is therefore important for recognising the lifelong implications of the condition and informing appropriate support. Methods: This qualitative study explored experiences of living with FASD during adulthood, with particular attention to diagnosis, support, employment, and mental health. Secondary qualitative data were collected from publicly available online sources, including social media posts and material published by FASD support organisations. Written and transcribed material relating to personal experiences of FASD was analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes within participants' accounts. Results: The analysis identified themes relating to FASD diagnosis that were consistent with issues reported in previous research. The findings also highlighted the perceived importance of appropriate and ongoing support in adulthood. Participants' accounts indicated that support could have implications across multiple areas of life, including employment and mental health. The findings further highlighted the value of incorporating the perspectives and experiences of people living with FASD when considering education, support, and approaches to FASD prevention. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of recognising FASD as a lifelong condition and extending attention beyond childhood development to the experiences and support needs of adults. Greater consideration of the lived experiences of people with FASD may help inform approaches to adult support, education, and prevention. Further research involving adults with FASD is warranted to better understand their long-term experiences and identify effective forms of support across different areas of adult life.
ER -