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 111 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.