Several studies have identified the lack of support for fathers of children with learning disabilities. Support for parents is often targeted at mothers and fathers may find it difficult to ask for help.
Services do not always communicate with fathers who then become marginalised in discussions and decisions about their children.
Fathers often have to be the main bread-winner for their family and may be under a lot of pressure at work. They also need time off to attend visits to hospitals and other services.
National policies are beginning to realise the important contribution that fathers make to family life. Strategies need to be developed to promote this contribution and further their involvement.
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During 2005 and 2006 we carried out interviews with 21 fathers who have a child with a learning disability. We talked to fathers about the following 4 areas of their lives:
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the things they do to support their family
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how their paid employment has been affected
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their support network
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their experiences of services
We used this information to identify how policy and practice can be changed to improve support for fathers and families as a whole.
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We are currently analysing results gained from our national survey to explore the issues faced by fathers of children with a learning disability. More information about Recognising Fathers questionnaire.
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