An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of fathers’ experiences with their children who have been diagnosed as autistic, and who have been described as having ‘behaviours of concern’

Fathers are often perceived as peripheral parents whose psycho-social needs as parents are poorly understood. This research comprises an interpretative phenomenological exploration of twelve fathers’ experiences specifically relating to their child’s ‘behaviours of concern’. The social constructionist paradigm scaffolded interpretations and decentred individualistic ownership of emotions and behaviours for both the fathers and their children. The relational context was a key focus in understanding and illuminating diverse insights. Analysis of the semi-structured interview data led to the production of five interrelated themes. 1. Love amidst diversity. 2. Investing in unsynchronised time. 3. Sourcing the power of release 4. Problem solving the ableist world. 5. Alienation.

The complexity of behaviour boundary setting for autistic children and/or their fathers was evidenced. Most interesting was the unsynchronised father-child sense of time that seemed to affect accessing community spaces. An alternative sense of ‘normality’ was disorientating for some fathers in their pursuit of ableist behavioural ideals. The foundation of ‘love’ was a concept that pushed through the diverse perceptions around ‘autism’ and this manifested within self-sacrifice and negotiated behaviour boundaries. There was also evidence of non-linear journeys of growth integrated with regression, stability and challenge. These challenges appeared to align with socio-political influences impinging paternal emotional expression. The fathers were influenced via an ableist ideology, however there were three fathers that were inclined towards acceptance and valued their children within an alternative neurodivergent construct of humanity. The dearth of social supportive outlets for fathers may be a barrier in them developing new insights and understandings around autism and interpretation of their children’s behaviours. A collaborative problem-solving approach via peer support may be a forward step in meeting the needs of this population of fathers.