Parenting by individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and neurobehavioral outcomes in their offspring

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe neurobehavioral health impairments associated with prenatal alcohol exposure are now known to persist through adulthood. However, little is known about how these impairments affect individuals' parenting abilities and the neurobehavioral health of their offspring. This study compares parents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) with socioeconomically matched, nonexposed parents on measures of parenting and family support and assesses the neurobehavioral health of the children in both groups.MethodsForty‐nine parent–child dyads were recruited from a longitudinal cohort of low socioeconomic status. Measures included the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire, Family Support Scale, an in‐depth psychosocial history, the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC; parent and child reports), the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a screening psychiatric evaluation of the child, the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery for Children, The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales‐Third Edition caregiver rating form, and the Traumatic Events Screening Inventory (parent and child reports).ResultsCognitive functioning was impaired for both offspring of parents with FASD ( = 81.1, SD = 13.0) and control parents ( = 79.9, SD = 16.1), but despite similar impairments, children of parents with FASD were less likely to have an Individualized Education Plan than controls. Adaptive functioning was adequate for both groups ( = 92.1, SD = 15.4 in exposed vs.  = 94.3, SD = 12.3 in controls) and CBCL and PSC scores in both groups were within normal limits. Parents in both groups showed a predominantly authoritative parenting style. Despite a similar frequency of adverse childhood experiences in both groups, parents with FASD were less likely to recognize their child's adverse experiences.ConclusionParents with FASD display notable strengths including a predominantly authoritative parenting style. However, parents with FASD underrecognize child trauma and underutilize developmental services compared to socioeconomically matched controls, despite similar neurocognitive impairments. Impairments in adaptive functioning in parents with FASD may translate into difficulties with child–parent communication and limit both insight into neurobehavioral problems and advocacy skills. There is a need to identify and support parents with FASD to optimize their parenting abilities in the context of their individual strengths and difficulties.