The Need for More Effective Father Involvement in Early Autism Intervention

Abstract

Fathers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are underrepresented in both early intervention and research. However, fathers have unique interaction styles that make important contributions to the language and symbolic play development of typically developing children. Fathers may make similar contributions to the development of their children with ASD, who struggle with social-communicative deficits, particularly in the areas of language and symbolic play. This article provides a theoretical rationale for enhancing father—child involvement in early autism intervention that may lead to improved outcomes in child communication and symbolic play and have cascading benefits for families in reducing stress and enhancing coping mechanisms. To support this rationale, systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to (a) identify the extent of father involvement in parent training programs for children with autism, (b) identify the contributions of parents to the symbolic play outcomes of their children with ASD and other disabilities, and (c) examine differences in stress and coping experienced by mothers and fathers of children with ASD. Finally, possible barriers to father participation in early autism intervention are discussed and recommendations are offered for making parent-implemented early intervention for children with ASD more amenable to fathers.

Father Involvement, Early Intervention Program and Well-being of Children with Special Needs

“…Results of this study support the findings of previous studies (Dunst et al, 1994;Flippin & Crais, 2011;IDEA Part C, 2004;Sloper, 1999;Stalker, 1990) which proves that the relationship between father involvement with early intervention program is positive and significant in the context of the father involvement in the early intervention program. Father involvement clearly play a large role in influencing the existing early intervention program.…”

Envolvimento paterno: validade interna da versão brasileira do Inventory of Father Involvement

“…Apesar de já evidenciada a relevância do envolvimento paterno, ainda se nota a falta de intervenções direcionadas para o aprimoramento específico da atuação do pai junto a seu filho (Benzies, Magil-Evans, Hayden, & Ballantyne, 2013;Flippin & Crais, 2011), bem como a fragilidade metodológica desses programas, quando existentes (Bronte-Tinkew, Burkhauser, & Metz, 2012). Embora recentemente algumas intervenções para pais (homens) já tenham sido criadas, estas, no entanto, não contam com robustos procedimentos de avaliação do envolvimento paterno (Bronte-Tinkew et al, 2007;Lundahl, Tollefson, Risser, & Lovejoy, 2008;McAllister, Burgess, Kato, & Barker, 2012).…”

Practices for Parent Participation in Early Intervention/ Early Childhood Special Education

“…The definition of primary caregiver in EI/ECSE has been a critical issue (Flippin & Crais, 2011). The term primary caregiver is a multidimensional and evolving concept, and used interchangeably among EI/ECSE programs and related services.…”

“…Align with the previous studies, Cheatham and Santos (2011) noted that when parent participation for non-English speaking parents provided through language interpretation services and being careful and respectful, the educational outcomes of children with disabilities are more likely to result positively. Lastly, systematic reviews indicated that EI/ECSE programs by the application of supporting meaningful ad functional parent participation seem most promising to influence child's development (Flippin, & Crais, 2011;Matson, Mahan, & LoVullo, 2009).…”

“…Active father involvement in children's development and education is associated with better developmental, educational, and social outcomes for children and other family members at large (Flippin & Crais 2011;Raikes, Belloti, 2006). EI/ECSE strategies should take into consideration that fathers' parenting skills are different than mothers' and intervention programs should reflect those differences according to the needs and characteristics of their target population.…”