“Es un regalo de Dios la verdad”: Hispanic Fathers Lived Experiences of Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a profound impact on families throughout the United States (U.S.). These impacts resonated within Hispanic families, a rapidly growing demographic. This phenological study explored the lived experiences of Hispanic fathers of children with ASD, resulting in implications for social work education. The objective of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to explore lived experiences of Hispanic fathers raising a child with ASD. Six Hispanic Fathers were recruited from the families known to the researcher. Face to face semi-structured interviews were conducted. A modified data analysis approach was utilized to identify themes common to these fathers. Four themes emerged from data analysis: 1) Spirituality and God, 2) Non-verbal connection, 3) late involvement, and 4) extended family’s involvement.