The Lived Experiences of Adoptive and Foster Parents of Children With Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Systematic Review of Parental Stress, Social Networks and Social Support

ABSTRACT Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) causes a range of physical, behavioural and cognitive impairments, meaning that individuals with FASD often require significant support. This review explores the stress and social environments (social networks, social capital and social support) of foster and adoptive parents of children with FASD. The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and identified studies on stress and social environments of foster and adoptive parents of children with FASD. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar were searched, and 14 studies were included. A thematic analysis was conducted. Six themes were identified: ‘navigating and coping with stress within the parenting context’; ‘parents' worries about their child's future’; ‘positive outcomes related to parents' supportive social networks’; ‘parents' experiences of social isolation and exclusion’; ‘parents' understanding of and responses to their child's needs’; and ‘experiences of professional input in supporting families’. Parenting occurred within a context of limited awareness of FASD, stigma and factors that exacerbated stress, including complex diagnosis, risky behaviours and worries about the future. Many parents reported supportive social networks that protected against stress; however, others identified unsupportive networks, strained relationships and experiences of social isolation and exclusion. Clinical implications and research recommendations are discussed.