Attachment, Relationships and FASD

Humans are social beings. Connecting with others is an important part of our development. Early attachment relationships impact a child’s ability to trust others, manage emotional responses, and establish interdependence and positive self-worth – and these foundational impacts influence relationships throughout our lives.

For individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), attachment experiences can significantly influence social, emotional, and behavioural development. Safe and secure attachment relationships early in life give us the confidence to explore and interact with the world. A child who experiences trauma such as familial separation, loss, and chaotic or disrupted environments may form insecure attachment relationships. This can affect their confidence in themselves, and their ability to engage in safe and healthy relationships later in life.

Fortunately development is dynamic; challenges in early life are not set. This means that later life experiences of family cohesion and supportive relationships, as well as well suited support and intervention, can help reduce impacts of attachment disruptions and early adversities. Healthy relationships can increase attachment security at any stage of development, leading to improved outcomes. Understanding the connection between attachment, trauma, and FASD can help caregivers, families, educators, and professionals create environments that support healthy relationships and healthy outcomes.

Resources to Support Attachment and FASD

Explore resources, reports, and educational materials that examine attachment, trauma, caregiving, and relationship development in individuals with FASD.

Interwoven Connections (External Organization)
Interwoven Connections represents the tapestry of families and relationships formed through adoption, kinship and customary care. They create spaces and experiences where parents and caregivers feel seen and heard. They provide education, advocacy, and community to families and the professionals that support them.

Understanding the Impact of Trauma in PAE and FASD (webinar)
CanFASD, April 2026
In this webinar recording, presenters share current research on the effects of trauma and adversity on individuals with PAE and FASD. They also explore collaborative approaches to interventions and give examples of real world implications.

Male Partner Violence Against Women with Cognitive Disabilities (Guide)
November 2020
Women with cognitive disabilities experience male partner violence at a higher rate than non-disabled women. They also tend to remain in abusive relationships for longer, due in part to their social isolation and a lack of appropriately adapted services. This Guide, which is based on a review of literature and interviews with five experienced practitioners, offers some general guidance for community outreach workers supporting women with cognitive disabilities after the initial crisis of ending an abusive relationship.

Research on Attachment, Trauma, and FASD

Issue Papers

FASD and Siblings: A Review of Current Knowledge (2026)
Siblings of individuals with FASD are underrepresented in FASD research. Relationships between siblings are extremely meaningful and offer developmental opportunities; at the same time, siblings of individuals with FASD may experience challenges. We need to recognize these experiences in support systems and polices in order to meet their specific needs, benefitting siblings, individuals with FASD, and those around them.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Adversity (2020)
People with FASD have higher rates of chronic and complex stress and adversity compared to other disability groups. This paper explores the research in this area and outlines recommendations for how to build targeted interventions to ultimately improve outcomes.