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Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to identify the views and experiences of fathers regarding their child's Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. The diagnosis of a child's Autism Spectrum Disorder may be a stressful experience, creating uncertainty for parents. There has been a limited research focus on the views and experiences of fathers in relation to the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder of their child. A systematic literature review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research studies. Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. From August to October 2020, two authors independently performed a systematic data extraction and appraised the studies using a recognised instrument. The PRISMA checklist was used in the review. Nine papers met the inclusion criteria. Four themes emerged: (a) gradual recognition of developmental delay, (b) an emotional time, (c) coping and adaptation and (d) ongoing adjustments to the fathering role. Nurses and other professionals need to work collaboratively with fathers to improve their experiences and provide supports at the time of Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.
Highlights
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common, lifelong neurodevelopmental disability which affects how individuals communicate and interact with the world
The current research evidence supports the view that many fathers actively want to be involved the care of their child with ASD, recognising that parental commitment and involvement may be lifelong
This review of the available international research highlights the role of nurses and other healthcare professionals during the diagnostic process and provides important insights that develop the understanding of the views and experiences of fathers
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common, lifelong neurodevelopmental disability which affects how individuals communicate and interact with the world. ASD is generally diagnosed in childhood during the first 5 years of life and includes developmental, behavioural and family history, with a number of diagnostic tools available to assist. These include the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) (Brian et al, 2019). Parents reported receiving the ASD diagnosis from a range of healthcare professionals including paediatricians, psychologists, child psychologist and other multidisciplinary team members (Crane et al, 2016) Other conditions such as epilepsy and sensory impairments may delay parents from accessing diagnostic services due to a lack of knowledge and awareness of the ASD (Ghaderi & Watson, 2019). Diagnosis of ASD is important to enable access to psychoeducation, information, services, additional education and life skill supports and to facilitate referrals to agencies such as speech and language therapy and education and clinical psychology (Kim et al, 2020; Martinez et al, 2018)
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