Understanding Resiliency of Aboriginal Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a life-long issue, but the focus of research is primarily on prevention. This study aims to understand the development of resiliency in Aboriginal adults with FASD. Aboriginal adults with FASD have experienced stigmatization, high criminal recidivism rates, misinformation about FASD, and intergenerational trauma from colonization. Despite these obstacles, Aboriginal adults with FASD have developed the resiliency to survive. Using a qualitative, two-eyed seeing approach combining Indigenous methodology and phenomenological inquiry, participants were interviewed about their life experiences to understand how they developed resiliency despite the obstacles they faced. It was discovered that Aboriginal adults with FASD face barriers that develop dysfunctional resiliency, shown in the ways that they adapted and developed skills through means that were not positive aspects in their lives. However, resiliency is developed through a combination of personality traits, structure, and external support. Understanding the development of resiliency in Aboriginal adults with FASD will help improve current programs and create new programs for adults with FASD.