Advancing social work curriculum to challenge FASD-related stigma and promote strengths-based family engagement

ABSTRACT

The need for professionals to become educated in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has emerged as a critical topic in child and family settings. FASD is sometimes described as being entirely preventable implying blame toward mothers and negative attitudes toward people with FASD. Without preservice education to address stigma associated with FASD, social workers are at risk of exacerbating deficit-based models of FASD care. Guided by an Australian study with health professionals who have skills in FASD assessment and care, this paper advances an agenda for social work curriculum capable of challenging FASD-related stigma to promote strengths-based family engagement.

KEYWORDS:

• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• critical social work
• stigma
• disability
• qualitative research

Acknowledgment

Previously the author was employed as a social worker within Drug & Alcohol Services at Northern Sydney Local Health District. The views of the author do not necessarily reflect those of the Service where she was employed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.