The Strengths and Positive Influences of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

People with disabilities have not been adequately represented in strengths-based research. This study is the first to examine strengths and positive influences of young children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Thirty adoptive and relative caregivers of children with FASD reported their children's strengths and positive influences and completed measures on family functioning. Using a conversion mixed design, we described themes in strengths and influences, degree of caregiver positivity and relationships with child and family functioning. Caregivers reported wide-ranging strengths and positive influences. Frequency of adaptive strengths correlated with measures of family functioning, but thematic strengths and positive influences did not. Strengths and positive influences are distinct from measures of functioning and are not well captured in deficit-focused research.