The experiences of fathers of children with autism spectrum disorders at the selected special school in the Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background Autism spectrum disorder has a negative impact on the fathers of children with ASD as they come across several challenges while raising their children with ASD, which include stress, financial problems, and stigma. Fathers of children with ASD need to cope with having a child with ASD. Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the experiences of fathers of children with ASD at the selected special school in the Limpopo province. Study methods This was a qualitative, explorative, and descriptive research design. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select 15 fathers of children with ASD at the selected special school in the Limpopo Province. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Tesch's steps for data analysis. Results Four themes and 17 sub-themes were formulated from the data gathered by using Tesch's 8 steps of data analysis. Fathers of children with ASD were found to have various experiences of diagnosing and caring for a child with ASD. The fathers were found to be playing different roles in caring for the ASD child such as the caregiving role, family provider role, and protective and supportive role. However, fathers of children with ASD experienced challenges related to ASD, service provision, socially and psychologically. Several coping strategies were used to overcome the challenges. Conclusion The experiences and challenges faced by fathers of children with ASD highlighted in this study can be integrated to develop an intervention programme that will serve as a guide to support fathers of children with ASD.