GetRealWhy This Study Was Done:
Young people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are often left out of conversations about what it’s like to have this disability. This study wanted to hear directly from teens with FASD to learn how they feel about their diagnosis and how it affects how they see themselves.
How The Study Worked:
Eight teens between the ages of 12 and 19 who have FASD took part in this study. They were all still in school. The teens shared their thoughts through photos and online conversations. Researchers then carefully studied what the teens said.
What The Teens Said:
- Most teens said that knowing about their FASD helped them understand themselves better.
- They talked about what causes FASD but didn’t blame or feel angry at their birth parents.
- The teens mostly described themselves by their hobbies and personality, but they still saw FASD as part of who they are.
- Parents and friends helped them learn about FASD and supported them in different ways.
Why This Matters:
The teens’ experiences were a lot like those of other young people with different disabilities. Learning about their diagnosis helped them feel more confident, get the help they needed, and speak up for themselves. Doctors, teachers, and other adults can help by giving support and helping teens build a strong and positive sense of who they are.
Soure: Revised from Canfasdblog, 2024 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107979