Exploring the role, health and wellbeing and support experiences of fathers of children and young people with a disability: “here’s a free parking pass”

PURPOSE: Despite fathers of children with disabilities experiencing increased stressors, few programs are designed to support their health and wellbeing. The aim of this study, co-designed with fathers, was to explore experiences of fathers of children with disabilities to understand how they can be empowered as parents and partners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 19 semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted with, and led by, fathers of children with a disability, exploring their relationship with their child, their role in their family, their health and wellbeing and their support needs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the results. FINDINGS: Fathers in the study reported a lack of support from the beginning of their journey. They identified as the family provider and, although actively involved in family life, felt disempowered by healthcare and service providers. Extra pressures led to them de-prioritising their own health, wellbeing and relationships. While many fathers had found joy in their relationship with their child, they identified the need for further support, particularly from other fathers with lived experience. Creating pathways for peer support and more explicitly including fathers in their child's healthcare journey may enhance the fathers' wellbeing and their ability to care for their child.