DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/C438-KN84

Defense Date

2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Health Related Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Shelly Lane

Second Advisor

Dr. Tracy Jirikowic

Third Advisor

Dr. Henry Caretta

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Dianne F. Simons

Abstract

As awareness and diagnoses of FASD grow in Canada, there is increased need to support these individuals across their lifespan. One study suggested the prevalence of FASD may be as high as 10 per 1000 births (May & Gossage, 2001). The impact to society is growing as well, since this population requires support across their lifespan due to cognitive and sometimes physical impairments. It was estimated that the annual cost to Canadians was $53 billion (in 2007 dollar value) to support individuals aged 0-53 years (Stade et al., 2009). There is mounting evidence identifying the cognitive and physical impairments that these individuals have, particularly in children. Studies have also described the adaptive functioning of children with FASD, and their ability to cope in daily life. There is little information on youth and adults regarding their daily lives, and the factors that contribute to success in daily life. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors that contribute to success in occupational performance in youth and adults with FASD. Using the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E), the study explored variables reflecting the person, environment, and activity that promoted engagement and participation. The study also investigated the value of using self-report or performance-based assessment with the FASD youth and adult population. Due to memory, cognitive, and executive functioning deficits, the individual with FASD may not be able to accurately self-report. Results from the study suggest an individual’s living situation, involvement with foster care, and family involvement play a role in successful occupational performance. Formal assessments of cognitive, academic and memory abilities did not appear to play a role in the individual’s school completion and daily life. Interestingly, the characteristics of this FASD sample depicted a group of youth and adults, who, in general, lived with family, had completed some schooling at the grade 10-12 level, had limited employment, were not involved with the judicial system, and were just as likely to be Caucasian as Aboriginal. The concept of occupational performance proved complex, and future study on the factors contributing to occupational performance would benefit from additional variables related to environment and activity than were available in the current data set.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

12-16-2015

Share

COinS