A selection of books based on FASD, reviewed by FASD-CAN members and kaimahi / staff.
The IHC Library in Wellington has many books on FASD which they can post out if you're outside the capital city with a return envelope. Find out more about the library and how you can access books here.
Life in the FASD Lane: Rossi's Fabulous Guide to Navigating Your Teens and Young Adulthood – June 2025
“This book shouldn't exist. No, seriously. It's not because the world doesn't need it. Somebody had to write it. I decided that somebody should be me. My name is Rossino Griffin, but please call me Rossi. I am 22 years old, and I have FASD.”
FASD-CAN Chair Leigh Henderson:
“I’ve just read the book by Rossi, a young man living in the UK with FASD, a successful make-up artist. I can’t recommend this book highly enough – a must-read for people with FASD, caregivers, birth-mothers. It is such an easy, rollicking, informative and insightful read. Loved the way he explained brain domains (imagine each domain as a room in a house, but missing a critical component); his struggles and strategies and his tips for success. Also some insights on the role of his mother in his life.
“I got it as a download from the IHC library but it’s also available in hard copy at Paper Plus – so have decided to buy a copy. It was that good!”
Available from the IHC library.
Note: click here to watch a podcast interview online with Rossi, his Mum and Andrew Keeping of FASD United in the UK from 2022...
Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations With People Diagnosed as Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – August 2023
As a foster and adoption social worker, Patricia Kasper wanted to understand why so many children in the foster care system fall between the cracks. A lifelong learner, she ultimately dove into the study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, or FASD, which affects 5% of the general population, but up to 70% of youth in foster care. Indeed, Patricia learned that 80% of youth with an FASD are not raised by their parents, and that 86% are either un- or mis-diagnosed.
FASD-CAN Navigator Anna Gundesen:
“Really interesting book - such a variety of interviewees living with FASD. Many have only received their diagnosis late in life and others earlier on. Many of them have careers, degrees, are parents etc – and all are wonderful advocates for those living with FASD.”
Available from the IHC library.
Not Fit For Purpose by Ruby King
*Note: this book contains material which some may find upsetting.
Eleanor Bensemann, FASD-CAN member and IHC librarian:
"A New Zealand parent has written this powerful and moving true story, which is subtitled ‘Disability Rights Abuse of Children Living with FASD in New Zealand.’
From the allegory at the beginning to the recommendations at the end, this book is a gripping, page-turning read and will hold your attention throughout. It covers child to parent abuse and the failure of agencies to recognise or assist parents dealing with this very difficult problem. It is obvious throughout the book that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is still a disability not understood by many agencies. It seems training of support staff and social workers is patchy at best.
The abuse that Indie has suffered and the stress her family has lived through is unbelievable and on-going. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those concerned."
Available from the IHC library, and in many regional public libraries.
• You can buy your own copy direct from the author by emailing [email protected]
Skin Deep by Casey Watson – HarperElement, 2015
All she wanted was a Mummy, but was she too ugly to be loved?
Eleanor Bensemann, FASD-CAN member and IHC librarian:
"Casey Watson is an experienced foster carer, and Philippa (known as Flip) comes to her at 8 years old for a short-term placement, after a home fire in which her mother was injured.
Flip has FASD, facial features and all. She proves to be a challenging child in many ways and has obviously been told many times that she is ugly so needs much reassurance. Attachment issues are part of the mix.
An interesting read that will resonate with many foster carers."
Hope Nicely’s Lesson’s for Life by Caroline Day – Zaffre, 2021
Eleanor Bensemann, FASD-CAN member and IHC librarian:
"This is a novel told in the first person by Hope Nicely who has FASD. Hope wants to find her birth mother who left her in a cardboard box outside a church as a baby.
She decides to write a book that she hopes her mother will read and then come and find her. She attends a writing group and the story centres around her interactions with the other group members, her job as a dog walker and her foster mother Jenny.
This book gives great insights into the workings of an FASD brain, and the frustrations people live with. An engaging work of fiction."
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder by Maria Catterick and Liam Curran – Jessica Kingsley,2015
Eleanor Bensemann, FASD-CAN member and IHC librarian:
"This is an English publication co-written by a social worker and a carer both with much experience and understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
A very good guide to a basic understanding of what FASD is, how it manifests and strategies for parents and caregivers to use. The section on support and services available may not be relevant in New Zealand, but overall this is a very useful book."
Available from the IHC library.
