Experiences and Perceptions of Fatherhood Among Fathers With Sons Who Have Autism Spectrum Disorders

摘要: The purpose of this study was to expand on the research Long (2005) and address gap in literature related role fathers children with autism spectrum disorders, intimate relationships experience their sons who are diagnosed changes fathers‘ perceptions fatherhood. A qualitative, phenomenological approach used for explore following questions: (a) What experiences among disorders? and, (b) How do fatherhood change through parenting a son an disorder? Participants were selected using criteria biological have excluding Rett syndrome childhood disintegrative disorder, currently married sons' mothers. Six disorders interviewed regarding sons‘ diagnoses, views fatherhood, changing having disorder. Data collected from interview transcripts field memos analyzed organized into themes. major themes emerged data: 1) concerns future; 2) behavioral impacts family social life; 3) own fathers; 4) involvement education; 5) differences versus typically developing siblings; 6) as fathers. The six participated myriad Each father described positive son. between correlated each shared fathers. All had futures experienced impact negative behaviors associated life. Moreover, future that life three separate age groups sons. Differences also present how parented disorder children. Expectations other appeared be higher regard behavior skills. involved some capacity educations. This varied assisting homework fully participating educational decision-making process. With participants various responses. Changes included feelings personal growth, development patience, understanding challenges, growth parental responsibility. offers several implications school leaders administrators provides suggestions further research.