“I simply have to carry this project through”. Hidden voices of fathers’ diagnostic pathways and coping with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A qualitative study from Poland

Fathers’ experiences of raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain underrepresented in qualitative research, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. While parental stress and caregiving challenges are well-documented, less is known about fathers’ perspectives on the diagnostic process, their emotional responses, and coping strategies. Understanding these experiences is essential for developing more inclusive and family-centred autism support systems. This qualitative descriptive study explored fathers’ experiences of the ASD diagnostic pathway and subsequent adaptation. Fourteen fathers of children with ASD in Poland participated in in-depth, semi-structured online interviews. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s framework, to generate themes capturing patterns of meaning across the data. Reporting adhered to COREQ guidelines. Three interconnected themes were generated. First, fathers described the diagnostic pathway as a prolonged, parent-driven process shaped by early observations, parental intuitions, and frequent dismissal by professionals. Second, adaptation to autism involved a profound reorganization of everyday life rather than a single coping response, encompassing changes to work, relationships, identity, and routines, supported by both internal (e.g., task-oriented determination, emotional self-regulation) and external resources (e.g., spousal support, peer communities, advocacy). Third, fathers articulated persistent, future-oriented fears centred on their child’s independence, safety, and social vulnerability, particularly in imagined futures without parental protection. Fathers’ experiences of autism caregiving are marked by active engagement, emotional ambivalence, and long-term responsibility. Recognising fathers as integral participants in diagnostic and caregiving processes is essential for improving professional practice and developing gender-sensitive, family-centred support across the autism lifespan. • The diagnostic pathway is often parent-driven and marked by professional dismissal. • Adaptation involves profound reorganization of fathers’ daily lives and identities. • Fathers rely on task-oriented coping and self-developed internal resources. • Persistent fears focus on child independence, safety, and life beyond parental care. • Findings highlight the need for father-inclusive and gender-sensitive support systems.