Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify the lived experiences of fathers of newly diagnosed children on the autism spectrum. This study aimed to describe the unique experiences fathers of children with autism face and bridge the gap in the literature regarding this unique population.
Theoretical Framework. This study was centered on the ABC-X model of family stress, which is at the heart of family stress theory. The model includes four components: A—stressor event, B—resources, C—perception, and X—resulting state of crisis. Families that face a stressor event must use resources and their perception/definition of the situation to decide whether they ultimately enter into a state of crisis. Fathers of children with autism must utilize their resources and perception to move forward following the diagnosis.
Methodology. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological research approach to explore the lived experiences of fathers of newly diagnosed children on the autism spectrum. This method utilized in-depth one-on-one interviews to study fathers of children with autism diagnosed no later than 2022 at ages 0–5.
Findings. The interviews manifested a total of seven themes that detail the challenges and rewards fathers face after the autism diagnosis. Fathers of newly diagnosed children experience a transitional period in which they adjust their roles and reframe their mindset. Additionally, these fathers experience certain pressures related to their employment and their other children without autism. Fathers use self-coping skills and their partnership with their spouse as resources in processing and moving forward. The findings stress the importance of interventions and support for fathers after their child has been diagnosed with autism.
Recommendations. Future research in the area of fathers of children with autism is needed. Further studies on functional resources implemented after the diagnosis would help to determine the types of support fathers need. Additionally, further examination of father involvement in early childhood for children with autism would be beneficial in understanding the impact fathers have in child development. Lastly, analyzing characteristics of autism (e.g., gender and severity level) can aid in understanding differences in the acceptance process that fathers experience.