Recent studies have shone a light on the mounting pressures faced by parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD), emphasising the importance of specialised parental support. For instance, the Child Care Stress Index serves as an evaluation tool for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies indicate that parents overburdened by their children’s problematic behaviors not only struggle mentally but also negatively impact their family’s well-being.
Recognising this growing concern, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan has made amendments to the DD Support Law. These changes promote continual parent training and supportive programmes for families with DD children. However, certain training forms in Japan, such as the Sukoyaka Oyako 21, may not cater effectively to all DD families, given the variability in parental temperaments.
Generalised parenting methodologies can be problematic. The role of fathers, in particular, is often overshadowed due to cultural norms and gender biases. Rankin et al.’s intervention studies across various ethnicities highlighted that fathers are typically less involved than mothers in child-rearing.
In a study conducted by researchers from Shinshu University, 11 child welfare centre staff members, with extensive experience in DD child and family support, were interviewed. The study aimed to understand the challenges and successes fathers experience while raising a DD child. The findings, published in the journal Discover Psychology, reveal that a father’s awareness and behavior can significantly influence the child’s well-being and that of other family members.
Several fathers’ behaviors positively impacted family function. For instance, they provided role models for their children, fostering opportunities to understand societal norms. Such positive engagements align with reports that highlight the benefits of nurturing father-child relationships for DD children’s competence. On the other hand, some negative behaviors, surprisingly resembling DD traits, indicated potential stress or lack of self-control in fathers. Such behaviors often led to strained father-child relationships, increased dependence on mothers, and hindered the interventions of childcare and rehabilitation supporters.
The study findings suggest a nuanced understanding of the father’s role. In some cases, fathers’ involvement catalyzed the DD child’s development, while in others, it might have exacerbated the child’s struggles. Intriguingly, the study noted that some fathers might also have DD traits, causing heightened anxiety.
This preliminary study is not without limitations. The small sample size and potential recall biases could impact the generalizability of the conclusions. Plus, the data relied on third-party child welfare staff, which could introduce discrepancies between the findings and the realities faced by families.
Nevertheless, the study underscores the pressing need for tailored parental support and training. The findings will catalyze larger, more detailed surveys, targeting direct inputs from parents to enhance the training programs for families with DD children.
As society progresses and acknowledges the unique challenges of raising a child with developmental disabilities, it is vital to recognise, understand, and support the pivotal role fathers play in this journey.
