Author(s): Elaine MacDonald
Department: St. Michael’s House
Reported: (In print. Due in 2010) In M.E. Lamb (Ed). The Role of the father in child development (5th ed.)New York: Wiley.
Until
recently fathers of children with developmental disabilities have rarely
featured in research and clinical interventions, and thus little is known about
their experiences, needs and childcare involvement. However, as a consequence of changing
demographic trends, advances in developmental psychology, family systems
theory, and psychological research, it has become increasingly important to be
informed about and engaged with this population of fathers. Drawing upon research findings, theoretical
developments, and clinical interventions, this chapter discusses themes
including fathers’ responses to diagnosis, their process of psychological
adaptation to the parenting role, their involvement in childcare and, the
influence of the couple relationships on fathers’ psychological well-being.