Interdependence and FASD
Interdependence recognizes that no one lives completely independently; we all thrive with support from a community. Interdependence how we engage with others to give and receive support. Interdependence exists on a spectrum. It changes across situations, within different contexts, and throughout development. Importantly interdependence includes both supports provided and support offered.
For individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), interdependence may involve accessing supports that help them achieve their goals, strengthen daily living skills, and enhance their quality of life. It also involves identification of ways in which they are able to contribute to communities in meaningful ways. The level and type of support needed and offered may vary across situations, environments, and stages of development. When determining the level of supports needed and offered and the appropriate interventions to help people with FASD live interdependently, we need to centre the individual and consider their unique needs and challenges.
Support needs and contribution opportunities may exist in areas like daily living, housing, education, employment, and more.
Best Practices for Serving Individuals with Complex Needs (2018)
This guide is meant to support individuals and agencies working with clients with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their families. It outlines how agencies and their staff can assess current service delivery and inform future service offerings.
Balancing the story of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A narrative review of the literature on strengths (2021)
This preliminary but critical body of evidence highlights the intrinsic strengths of individuals with FASD, including strong self-awareness, receptiveness to support, capacity for human connection, perseverance through challenges, and hope for the future. It is essential to identify each person’s unique strengths as part of noting the contribution an individual can make.
Research about Interdependence and FASD
Explore research on FASD and interdependence including articles on integrated service delivery, community supports, daily living skills, and systems-based approaches that help individuals with FASD access the services they need to succeed.
Integrated service delivery for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Katherine Flannigan, Devon C. Edwards, Lisa Murphy, Jacqueline Pei
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, June 2024
An Integrative Systems Approach to Enhancing Service Delivery for Individuals with Complex Needs
Jacqueline Pei, Cheryl Poth, Melissa Tremblay, Meghan Walker
Current Developmental Disorders Reports, February 2021
Integrated Service Delivery in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Review of the Alberta FASD Service Network Model
Katherine R. Flannigan, Andrew J. Wrath, Audrey McFarlane, Lisa Murphy & Lisa Rogozinsky
Journal on Developmental Disabilities, 2021
Difficulties in Daily Living Experienced by Adolescents, Transition-Aged Youth, and Adults With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Kaitlyn McLachlan, Katherine Flannigan, Valerie Temple, Kathy Unsworth, Jocelynn L. Cook
Alcohol Clinical & Experimental Research, May 2020