Understanding employment success in adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) often face employment-related challenges due to cognitive, physical, and behavioural difficulties, however there are adults with FASD who have positive employment experiences. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to learn about employment experiences of adults with FASD. We focused on the conditions that led to employment success, and the impacts that employment had on adults with FASD. METHODS: A survey was developed, which consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions. We recruited adults with FASD, caregivers of adults with FASD, and support workers for adults with FASD, and twenty-nine surveys were completed. Descriptive analyses and thematic analyses were conducted. RESULTS: We found that conditions that led to employment success in individuals with FASD were finding the right job fit, using relational supports, identifying as having FASD, and responding to challenges. Impacts that employed individuals with FASD experienced included increasing autonomy through remuneration, building self-esteem, developing social connections, and becoming an advocate for FASD. CONCLUSION: The present study is the first of its kind to explore employment in adults with FASD. By learning from the experiences of those individuals with FASD who have been successfully employed, we can better serve those who are struggling with employment.