Recognising the 'Forgotten Man': Fathers' Experiences in Caring for a Young Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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| Title: | Recognising the 'Forgotten Man': Fathers' Experiences in Caring for a Young Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Paynter, Jessica, Davies, Michael, Beamish, Wendi |
| Source: | Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability. 2018 43(1):112-124. |
| Availability: | Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2018 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Fathers, Parent Participation, Parent Child Relationship, Child Rearing, Young Children, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Well Being, Coping, Stress Variables, Depression (Psychology), Adjustment (to Environment), Family Environment, Mental Health |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| DOI: | 10.3109/13668250.2017.1293235 |
| ISSN: | 1469-9532 |
| Abstract: | Background: Despite decades of research on family adaptation in relation to caring for a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the wellbeing of fathers remains poorly understood. Method: The present study sought to investigate experiences of fathers of young children with ASD aged between 2-and-a-half and 6 years attending an ASD-specific early intervention centre. Eighteen fathers initially completed a mailed questionnaire and 8 of these fathers were then interviewed by telephone. The questionnaire included standardised measures assessing constructs of the double ABCX model of family adaptation. The interview used open-ended questions to understand the experiences of fathers' involvement in caring, sources of support, and coping strategies. Results: Fathers experienced elevated levels of parental stress and elevated depressive symptoms. Interviews deepened understanding of fathers' personal experiences of each component of the double ABCX model. Conclusions: Findings from this study provide further insight into the fathering role and demonstrate the utility of the double ABCX model as a framework for exploring their experiences. The need for further research to explore practical implications to better support fathers is discussed. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Number of References: | 48 |
| Entry Date: | 2018 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1186749 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Background: Despite decades of research on family adaptation in relation to caring for a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the wellbeing of fathers remains poorly understood. Method: The present study sought to investigate experiences of fathers of young children with ASD aged between 2-and-a-half and 6 years attending an ASD-specific early intervention centre. Eighteen fathers initially completed a mailed questionnaire and 8 of these fathers were then interviewed by telephone. The questionnaire included standardised measures assessing constructs of the double ABCX model of family adaptation. The interview used open-ended questions to understand the experiences of fathers' involvement in caring, sources of support, and coping strategies. Results: Fathers experienced elevated levels of parental stress and elevated depressive symptoms. Interviews deepened understanding of fathers' personal experiences of each component of the double ABCX model. Conclusions: Findings from this study provide further insight into the fathering role and demonstrate the utility of the double ABCX model as a framework for exploring their experiences. The need for further research to explore practical implications to better support fathers is discussed. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1469-9532 |
| DOI: | 10.3109/13668250.2017.1293235 |
