Factors Influencing Father Involvement With Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Children in America are being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at rates that are much greater than in previous decades.There is an abundance of research that is being conducted to try and discover the cause of this neurodevelopmental disorder and the interventions that are useful in treating it.It is classified as a spectrum disorder because there is such a large range of severity levels.Similarly, there is a large range of involvement levels by fathers of children with autism.Much research has been done on maternal experiences, leaving a lack of knowledge regarding fathers and how and why they may or may not be involved in the life of their child with autism.This qualitative, phenomenological study sought to understand the lived experience of a father with a child who has autism and how coping skills, parenting styles, and cultural backgrounds may impact how much time a father chooses to be involved with that child.The data was collected through an interview process, The Brief COPE Inventory, and The Parental Authority Questionnaire-Revised.As a result of the analysis of this data, themes emerged; active coping styles and authoritative/flexible parenting styles seemed to allow for a father to be more actively involved in their child's daily life.In addition, cultural backgrounds may or may not effect involvement levels, but they do likely impact how a father perceives Autism Spectrum Disorder and the symptoms that accompany it.The results of this study contribute the current research in the field of autism and how fathers can be assisted in being involved more in the lives and intervention processes of their children with autism.The electronic version of the dissertation is accessible at the Ohiolink ETD center http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd.behavior interventionist.They welcomed me into their homes and families and taught me how wonderful every child is, whether or not they have been given a diagnosis of any kind.I would also like to thank my family for all of the support they have given to me throughout all twenty-three years that I have been going to school, from kindergarten through year five at Antioch University Santa Barbara.As clichéd as it is, there is absolutely no way I could have completed this journey without each and every one of you.Last, but definitely not least, my gratitude goes to my Plastics, for giving me the best friendships and countless memories with which to remember this process.
Author: Kayleigh E Hay
Institution: Antioch University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2525981907