Determining the experiences of fathers with a child with autism spectrum disorder

The aim of the study is to determine the life experiences of fathers who have a child with autism spectrum disorder. The participants of the study are 18 fathers who have children with ASD. The data of the research were collected through semi-structured interviews, one of the qualitative data collection methods. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive analysis. As a result of data analysis, ten themes were obtained. The data were transformed into themes and formed the findings of the research. According to the findings of the study, fathers notice ASD symptoms in their children before the age of 4 years. Most of the participants stated that there are differences between being the father of a child with ASD and being the father of a child with normal development, this difference is usually due to the need to constantly take care of the child. Fathers in their children; They stated that they had limited speech and communication skills, not being able to socialize, not reacting to their name, not being able to act independently, not making eye contact, stereotypical movements and object use, excessive interests, retardation in motor development skills, being unresponsive to the attention of others, and some problem behaviors. In addition, the participants shared that they experienced a great shock when they learned about the ASD diagnosis. Fathers stated that they had not heard of ASD before the diagnosis and that they did not have any information about ASD. When most of the fathers were asked for their opinions on the cause of ASD, they stated that they could not talk about the exact cause and that they did not know the reason, while some of them shared some possible estimations, although they do not know the exact cause of ASD. Fathers participating in the study stated that although they have a child with ASD, their social life is restricted, they are labeled by the society and their work life is negatively affected. Most of the fathers stated that they had various concerns about the future of their children and that they wanted their children to be able to live independently in the future. In the light of the research results, suggestions for further research and practice have been developed.