Mexican American fathers of school -aged children with an autism spectrum disorder: A cultural perspective of their experience and involvement

This study examined the lived experience of Mexican American fathers who have children with autism, including the father's role in the family and his involvement in the life of his child. This phenomenon was explored qualitatively through culturally-sensitive interviews of five first-generation Mexican American fathers selected from a support group for Spanish-speaking parents of children with autism. The findings of this study indicate significant strengths that Mexican American families may have in dealing with the challenges facing similar families. The results also highlight the families' considerable needs that available services are not providing for Spanish-speaking clients and individuals with autism. Important topics that are described include the role of the father in the family and his relationship with his child with autism. The investigation also relays the fathers' concerns and the challenges that they are faced with in their own family. In addition, the results demonstrate ways in which the fathers choose to deal with stressors and the sources of support which they tend to access. The discussion concludes with suggestions for professionals to overcome treatment barriers and directions for future research aimed at developing and implementing more effective and culturally sensitive treatment.