Paternity experiences of middle-class fathers living in Ankara and having children with autism spectrum disorder

This research was carried out to reveal the perception and experiences of fathers who have children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the context of hegemonic masculinity and gender. The study was conducted in Ankara between June 2017 and May 2019. In this study, which was designed with qualitative research design, snowball and criterion were obtained by sampling method. The face-to-face interviews were conducted with 18 middle-class fathers of children with ASD by means of this method and through a semi structured questionnaire. The interviews were conducted between April 2018 and December 2018. The data obtained were analyzed by MAXQDA 11 qualitative data analysis program. As a result of the analysis, it has been concluded that the fathers who have children with ASD have transformed their masculinity and paternity in their own root families compared to the father, but the existing policies are not supportive of the fathers' care role. The participation of the spouse in the working life, the increase of the education level of fathers, the attitude and behaviors of the spouse, the desire to be close relationship with the child and the role model, the male role models in the environment have been effective in the transformation of masculinity and fatherhood. In this context, gender roles and hegemonic masculinity were taken into consideration in this study. On the basis of the triangle of masculinity, paternity and autism; the needs of fathers with children with ASD were tried to be made visible. In addition, recommendations were made for the development of involved fatherhood and for building more equitable gender relations.