The father's experience: A South African perspective on caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that currently affects millions ofindividuals and their families across the globe. This study aimed to explore the experiences offathers of children with ASD within the South African demographic, with a focus on thechallenges experienced by these fathers in their caregiving role as well as the resources theyemployed to cope with these challenges. The study was exploratory and qualitative in nature.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 fathers of children with ASD and theresponses were thematically analysed. The themes that were identified through the process ofthematic analysis were conceptualised in terms of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory.Thematic analysis revealed both the challenges these fathers are faced with as well as resourcesthey utilise to cope with these challenges. The challenges experienced by the study participantsincluded lack of respite, symptomatic challenges, health related issues in the child, the diagnosis,family dynamics, uninformed general public, financial challenges and services. Contrarily, theresources fathers utilised to cope with these challenges were giving it a name, respite, support,finances, characteristics of the child, beliefs, services and adjustment over time were allresources that some or all of the fathers employed. The results of this study suggest that eventhough fathers experience a multitude of challenges that impact their lives significantly, they alsomake use of various resources to assist them in their caregiving task. The results of this studyindicate that the greatest strength these fathers have is an ability to employ problem-focusedcoping mechanisms to cope with the challenges they face. This study provides a point ofdeparture for future studies to further investigate the well-being of fathers caring for childrenwith ASD.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University