Experiences of father carers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An exploratory study
Loading...
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
National Inquiry Services Centre (NISC)
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the carer experiences of fathers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A
total of eight South African fathers between the ages of 38 and 45 years were the interview informants. They cared
for at least one child with ASD each and their children with ASD were within the age range of five to nine years (n=9,
males=7, females=2, Low functioning=4, Moderately functioning=4, High functioning=1).The father carers completed a
semi-structured interview. The data were analysed thematically. Four primary themes emerged from the analysis pertaining
to aspects of rescoping their futures to include the care of a child with ASD, relationship issues, access to and management
of resources, information and support, and carer compassion and satisfaction. The fathers shared a view that caring for their
children with ASD was both stimulating and enriching, and that with time, they were able to adapt, and better respond, to
the specific needs of their child
Description
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Father carers experiences, purposive sampling, In-depth interview, Thematic analysis
Citation
Pottas, A. & Pedro, A. (2016). Experiences of father carers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An exploratory study. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 26(6): 551-554