Fathers Raising a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Development of a Father Training Course
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to review research on the issue of fathers raising a
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child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and outline the development of a
father training course for such families. The paper reviewed a framework for supporting a
child with developmental needs, examined literature on parenting children diagnosed with
Autism Spectrum Disorder, and highlighted the benefits of parental training courses and
their potential value for parents who have children with developmental needs. The training
course ,vas developed in a four-part series and ,vas designed to address paternal concerns,
provide resources and answer questions that fathers have ,vhilc raising a child with ASD.
The training course model is designed to be an hour and a half long for four weeks, and the
course modules include: (I) The Definition of Autism and Getting Past the Diagnosis; (2)
The Key to Family, Sibling, and Peer Relationships; (3) Finding a Good Educational Fit for
Your Child; and ( 4) Additional Information for Fathers to Know About Raising a Child
with ASD.