Identity

How we think about ourselves and who we think we are at our core – in short, our identity – is a key element of healthy development for every person. Identity is closely related to our sense of purpose and value in the world. Exploring different interests, ideas, environments, and knowledge helps shape our identity. Our identity grows and evolves over our lifespan. Adolescence, and periods of transition, are important moments that contribute to how someone views their sense of self.

We need to understand how we can support healthy identity development in people with FASD. Researchers have begun to consider ways in which individuals with FASD may experience cultural, sexual and gender identity, as well as the impacts of stigma on identity.

Resources and Reports

Language Matters
FASD is a disability that is heavily stigmatized and stereotyped. Our language guide and common messaging guide helps you talk about FASD and the related issues in ways that are non-stigmatizing; that are consistent in the information and statistics; and that promote dignity for those with FASD, their families, and those who are pregnant and parenting.

Our Relatives Said: A Wise Practices Guide | Voices of Aboriginal Trans People (2008)
This manual is about identifying needs faced by Aboriginal Trans-people, honouring their stories and experiences to find a more welcoming and supportive place in society. This resource was developed with health care, treatment, support, and prevention practitioners to encourage the delivery of appropriate health care, treatment, and support to Aboriginal Trans-people.

Research

These key journal articles, authored by members of the CanFASD Research Network, partners, and other experts describe various factors related to identity in individuals with FASD.

Representation Matters: Race, Gender, Class, and Intersectional Representations of Autistic and Disabled Characters on Television
John Aspler, Kelly D. Harding & M. Ariel Cascio
Studies in Social Justice, 2022

Balancing the story of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A narrative review of the literature on strengths
Katherine Flannigan, Andrew Wrath, Chantel Ritter, Kaitlyn McLachlan, Kelly D Harding, Alanna Campbell, Dorothy Reid, Jacqueline Pei
Alcoholism: Clinical and experimental research, December 2021

Unprepared: An Appeal for Sex Education Training for Support Workers of Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Amanda Saxe & Tara Flanagan
Sexuality and Disability, 2016

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Sexually Inappropriate Behaviors: A Call on Sex Offender Treatment Clinicians to Become Informed
Jerrod Brown, Laura Cooney-Koss, Diane Harr, Diane Neal, Charlotte Gerth Haanen, & Aaron Trnka
Journal of Special Populations

Issue Papers

Gap Analysis: Black Identity and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (2026)
The impact of health disparities within the Black community has been outlined areas of health and wellbeing. However, little is known about the intersectionality of being Black with a diagnosis (or possible diagnosis) of FASD, especially within Canada. More research is needed initiatives focused on understanding the prevalence and experience of FASD within the Black community, as well as culturally aware supports and resources.

Gap Analysis: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (2023)
Diversity in gender identity and sexuality amongst individuals with FASD has only been minimally explored in research, but this issue is frequently identified by caregivers and service providers as an area that needs increased focused and support. FASD is complex, and when intersected with diversity in gender identity and sexual orientation, it can increase the vulnerability of people with FASD. More work is needed in research, policy, and practice to better support diversity identities amongst people with FASD.

Neurodiversity and FASD (2023)
Neurodiversity has been explored in relation to other disabilities, but more attention is needed to understand how FASD and neurodiversity intersect. This issue paper describes the concept of neurodiversity, identifies some of the ways neurodiversity is discussed in the literature, and presents recommendations for considering FASD and neurodiversity.

Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Experiences of Stigma (2019)
People with FASD are often stigmatized for a variety of reasons. Negative attitudes and perceptions can impact individuals with FASD and their families, affecting their ability to access supports and services. This paper explores the ways in which people with FASD experience stigma and provides recommendations for how to move forward.

Strengths Among Individuals with FASD (2018)
The majority of FASD research is focused challenges. This type of research can help to validate the experiences of individuals with FASD and their families, and to inform where services and supports might be needed the most. However, by neglecting to explore the successes of individuals with FASD, we fail to recognize their immense potential and celebrate the unique contributions of each person. This paper explores strengths-based research in FASD and highlights gaps in this field.