Fathers' experiences of caring for children with developmental disabilities

Although caregiving for children with developmental disabilities has been widely examined, fathers' experiences remain relatively underexplored. This qualitative descriptive study explored fathers' caregiving experiences in the context of children with developmental disabilities, focusing on psychological, social, economic, and systemic dimensions of caregiving and fathers' coping and adaptation processes.

A qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 19 fathers of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Rigor was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability strategies, and reporting followed COREQ guidelines.

Six themes were identified: meaning and transformation of fatherhood, multidimensional burden and challenges, social attitudes and support versus stigma, redefinition of the paternal role, need for formal support systems, and coping and adaptation. Fathers reported psychological distress, future-oriented anxiety, financial burden, social challenges, service-related barriers, and a need for more accessible father-inclusive support. Caregiving was also associated with personal growth, meaning-making, emotional engagement, and active participation in daily care.

Fathers' caregiving experiences reflected both burden and resilience, shaped by personal, social, and systemic factors. Recognizing fathers as active caregivers is essential for strengthening family-centered pediatric care.

Pediatric nurses should include fathers in assessment, communication, education, care planning, and support services to address caregiver burden and support family-centered pediatric care.