Balancing the story of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A narrative review of the literature on strengths

• Published in: Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research Vol. 45; no. 12; pp. 2448 - 2464
• Main Authors: Flannigan, Katherine, Wrath, Andrew, Ritter, Chantel, McLachlan, Kaitlyn, Harding, Kelly D., Campbell, Alanna, Reid, Dorothy, Pei, Jacqueline
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.12.2021; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Alcohol Drinking - epidemiology; Alcohol use; Alcoholism; character strengths; Critical Review; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - diagnosis; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - epidemiology; Fetal alcohol syndrome; Humans; Life span; literature review; Literature reviews; positive psychology; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; prenatal alcohol exposure; Prenatal experience; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects - diagnosis; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects - epidemiology; Reviews; fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; positive psychology; character strengths; literature review; prenatal alcohol exposure
• ISSN: 0145-6008; 1530-0277; 1530-0277
• DOI: 10.1111/acer.14733

For many years, researchers have explored the complex challenges experienced by individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). This research has been important for documenting the brain‐ and body‐based impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure and the psychosocial vulnerabilities and environmental adversities frequently associated with FASD. It has also supported advocacy efforts and highlighted the necessity of providing FASD services and supports. However, with the focus on deficits and needs, there is a considerable gap in the literature on the strengths and successes of individuals with FASD. The lack of strengths‐based FASD research has likely perpetuated the stress and stigma experienced by individuals with FASD and their families. Thus, there is a critical need to shift the direction of the field. Here we provide a narrative review of the literature on strengths in FASD. Our goals are to: (1) understand the state of strengths‐based research related to individuals with FASD across the lifespan, and (2) describe positive characteristics, talents, and abilities of individuals with FASD that may be cultivated to promote their fulfillment and well‐being. We identified a total of 19 studies, most of which were conducted to explore the lived experiences of adults with FASD. This preliminary but critical body of evidence highlights the intrinsic strengths of individuals with FASD, including strong self‐awareness, receptiveness to support, capacity for human connection, perseverance through challenges, and hope for the future. Despite the importance of this emerging evidence, appraisal of the literature indicates a need for more intentional, methodologically rigorous, participatory, and theory‐driven research in this area. Findings from this study, including the identified gaps in the literature, can be used to inform research, practice, and policy to meaningfully advance the field of FASD and promote positive outcomes in this population. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) research tends to be focused on the challenges and needs of this population. To balance this narrative, we conducted a review of the literature on strengths. We identified 19 studies highlighting the diverse strengths of people with FASD, including self‐awareness, receptiveness to support, capacity for human connection, perseverance, and hope. These findings have important implications for advancing research, practice, and policy to promote fulfillment and wellbeing among individuals with FASD and their families.