Pragmatic parenting: fathers’ roles in helping their young adult sons with autism

We sought to identify the roles and responsibilities that fathers take as they help or support their young adult sons with autism. Although existing research suggests that fathers are heavily involved in caring for young children with autism, few studies have focused on fathers of young adults with autism. Following a constructivist grounded theory approach, we conducted qualitative interviews with 11 married fathers (and their wives) of young adult men with autism in the US. We found that fathers maintained strong relationships with their sons and played critical roles in their lives. Fathers protected their sons, managed their sons’ behaviour, served as companions, promoted independence and, in a few cases, served as case managers and advocates. Taking a practical approach, fathers blended traditional and nurturing styles of fathering. Having a young or adult child with autism may encourage fathers to push the boundaries of traditional fatherhood and masculinity.