Blending Traditional and Nurturing Fathering: Fathers of Children With Autism Managing Work and Family

Abstract

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.

Experiences of fathers caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A meta‐synthesis

“…In eight studies (Boskovich, 2020; Mitchell, 2017; Nichols, 2018; Santos, 2014; Seepersad, 2016; Stephenson, 2020; Vail, 2014; Walker, 2012), fathers indicated that siblings (usually older siblings) of children with NDD were understanding of their family's circumstances, connected well with the child, and helped ease fathers' burdens by engaging in the education, play and care of the child. Fathers in 14 studies (36.8%) (Axup, 2012; Burns‐Darden, 2019; Lashewicz et al, 2018; Lien et al, 2021; Meadan et al, 2015; Miller & Lewis‐Grant, 2019; Mitchell, 2017; Nichols, 2018; Santos, 2014; Seepersad, 2016; Seymour et al, 2020; Stephenson, 2020; Vail, 2014; Von Raub, 2020) reported that the enormous list of necessities for a child with NDD placed a significant financial burden placed on them. In three studies (7.9%) (Seepersad, 2016; Mitchell, 2017; Lien et al, 2021), fathers described how their financial burden was compounded by additional costs such as services and resources not covered by funding, enrichment activities on top of public programs, and costs related to additional supplements and specific dietary requirements.…”

“…Fathers in 14 studies (36.8%) (Axup, 2012; Burns‐Darden, 2019; Lashewicz et al, 2018; Lien et al, 2021; Meadan et al, 2015; Miller & Lewis‐Grant, 2019; Mitchell, 2017; Nichols, 2018; Santos, 2014; Seepersad, 2016; Seymour et al, 2020; Stephenson, 2020; Vail, 2014; Von Raub, 2020) reported that the enormous list of necessities for a child with NDD placed a significant financial burden placed on them. In three studies (7.9%) (Seepersad, 2016; Mitchell, 2017; Lien et al, 2021), fathers described how their financial burden was compounded by additional costs such as services and resources not covered by funding, enrichment activities on top of public programs, and costs related to additional supplements and specific dietary requirements. In eight studies (21.1%) (Axup, 2012; Ho, 2020; Lien et al, 2021; Meadan et al, 2015; Mitchell, 2017; Nichols, 2018; O'Halloran et al, 2013; Santos, 2014; Seepersad, 2016; Stephenson, 2020; Vail, 2014), fathers reported that their families were reduced to single‐income households, where fathers became the sole financial provider and mothers became full‐time caregivers, due to their child's amplified demands.…”

Happiness in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study

“…Relationship intimacy mitigated stress and enhanced family functioning. Recent studies on fathers' perspectives in ASD families consistently report a lack of couple intimacy-related and 'me time,' as well as fathers taking on the traditional breadwinner role and taking less of a parenting role (e.g., Cook et al, 2005;Lewington et al, 2021;Lien et al, 2021;Rafferty et al, 2020). Similarly, in our Self-Care theme, parents described having very limited time for themselves, giving up previous hobbies, or feeling guilty about personal interests, and in the Connectedness theme, some parents had not maintained their earlier close friendships.…”

Evolution of the Autism Literature and the Influence of Parents: A Scientific Mapping in Web of Science

“…The literature shows a pronounced interest in carrying out studies that represent an advance in this field of knowledge [ 30 ]. In this sense, research reports effective mechanisms and actions to address this disorder in the best possible way [ 25 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. With the completion of this study, we have tried to analyze all the literature concerning ASD and the family environment, in order to report the most significant and relevant findings that the scientific community has obtained on the state of the matter.…”

“…This lack of training can trigger behavioral patterns of social isolation [ 32 ]. Likewise, families can not only focus their daily activity on caring for the member with ASD, but they also have to provide financial support, so the workload is considerable [ 33 ]. Along these lines, families that have children with ASD experience higher rates of negativity than any other family [ 34 ].…”