Expectations and Concerns of Adoptive Families of Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is considered a condition that persists throughout life in people who have been exposed to alcohol during the gestation period. During the different stages of their lives, individuals with FASD face different challenges and adversities that—without the right resources and strategies—can contribute to having a negative impact on them and their families. The aim of the current study is to gather the experiences and perspectives of adoptive parents in the process of raising their children and helping them adapt. An ad hoc questionnaire was used with a sample of 101 parents from Spain who had adopted a child with FASD. The current age of their offspring ranged from 8 to 37 years ( M = 19.67). The results show that the adoptive parents were not informed about the disorder or the possibility their children could have it, whereas in the parents' view, an early diagnosis could be key. The current age is also a crucial factor, with differences observed between children, young adults and adults. Parents' assessments tend to be more positive when their children are still under the age of 18. The parents expressed concern regarding the children's emotional well‐being and the use of time and friendships and pessimism with regard to future expectations. They also displayed a high satisfaction with associations specializing in the disorder. The practical implications are discussed.