ObjectiveAgainst a backdrop of hegemonic masculinity, we contribute to understandings of how having a child with autism impacts fathers' navigation of work and family responsibilities.BackgroundParents of children with autism face distinct needs related to accessing health, education, and social supports for their children. In supporting their children, fathers may feel pulled between traditional financial provider roles and relatively nurturing, involved styles of fathering.MethodUsing a traditional masculinity theoretical orientation, we conducted a directed content analysis of narrative data from 26 fathers of children with autism collected as part of a broader project. We analyzed approaches to fathering reflected in fathers' descriptions of managing work and family and corresponding meanings fathers attached to work relative to family responsibilities.ResultsFathering approaches included (a) traditional breadwinners, (b) caregiving breadwinners, (c) “tag‐team” parents, and (d) caregiving fathers. Meanings of work included (a) financial power and security in the face of autism; (b) work as information, support, and reprieve; and (c) work strain contributing to guilt, sadness, and depression.ConclusionFathers' responsibilities entailed a careful balancing between financial provision and caregiving for their children with autism. We identify theoretical and policy implications aimed at more fully understanding and supporting fathers of children with autism.

Parents raising children with autism have distinct experiences that influence their well-being, relationships, engagement with the public, and interaction with education and healthcare systems. However, experiences of fathers of children with autism have been largely overlooked by researchers. This meta-synthesis is our synthesis of qualitative accounts of fathers' experiences and we included peer reviewed and gray literature articles that: (1) reported primary qualitative research, (2) included fathers of children with autism as participants, and (3) reported qualitative findings on the first-hand experiences of fathers of children with autism. Studies were appraised for quality and many theoretical and methodological deficiencies identified. Six studies met quality appraisal criteria and three main themes of findings from these studies were generated: (1) adaptation and concern with the future, (2) the importance of cultural context, and (3) reverence for one's child and new opportunities. Fathers' experiences illuminate a need for father-oriented resources that recognize fathers' value in children's lives.