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Resiliency in Post-Secondary: Perspectives of Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Date

2021-01-09

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

0000-0002-3799-6046

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the post-secondary experiences of students diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and to determine the protective factors that have fostered success, in hopes to create a better understanding of how success is achieved in these individuals. Merriam’s (2015) basic interpretive qualitative approach was used and data was be collected through semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed thematically and was interpreted using resiliency theory as a framework (Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000; Masten 2001). Eight individuals participated in the study, six of whom were diagnosed with ADHD and two of whom were diagnosed with FASD. Participants ranged in age from 27 to 58 and included six females, one male, and one participant identified as non-binary. This study revealed three major themes: (1) “I struggled”: Barriers in elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools; (2) “My diagnosis was missed”: Diagnosis after secondary school; and (3) “I was successful”: Accommodations and supports promoting resiliency. Even though each of the participants experienced barriers throughout education, they all were able to experience some level of success within their area of study in post-secondary. This study concludes with a discussion on the practical implications of the findings, the limitations and strengths of the study and areas recommended for future research.

Description

Keywords

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Post-Secondary, Resiliency

Citation

Degree

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Department

Educational Psychology and Special Education

Program

School and Counselling Psychology

Citation

Part Of

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DOI

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