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The Extent and Predictors of Fathers’ Involvement in the Raising of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the UAE

Author

Listed:
  • Maxwell Opoku

    (Department of Special and Gifted Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Ahmed Mohamed

    (Department of Special and Gifted Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Shamsa Almarzooqi

    (Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Abu Dhabi 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Aisha Cheikhmous

    (Department of Special and Gifted Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

Background: Raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has consistently been found to be challenging for parents. However, available studies have mainly focused on mothers, raising questions about fathers’ involvement in raising children with ASD. Indeed, fathers’ involvement has consistently been reported as fundamental to the development of children with ASD. Thus, it necessitates extensions of Western-dominated literature to novel contexts such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore the extent and predictors of fathers’ participation in the nurturance of children living with ASD. Methods: The survey was completed by 177 fathers raising children with ASD in the UAE and was based on the revised 27-item Fathers’ Involvement in Development and Rehabilitation Scale. The Statistical Package for Social Science was used to compute means and perform a multivariate analysis of variance and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Fathers’ ratings were high on involvement: attitude, support, and participation in training to assist their children with ASD. Also, support and participation in training significantly contributed to the variance in attitude towards children with ASD. Moreover, the place of residence of participants made a significant contribution to the variance in attitude towards children with ASD. Conclusions: There is a need for policymakers to capitalize on the gains already made in creating a favorable environment for the development of children with ASD in the UAE. Regular engagement between policymakers and fathers could enhance their engagement in raising their children.

Suggested Citation

  • Maxwell Opoku & Ahmed Mohamed & Shamsa Almarzooqi & Aisha Cheikhmous, 2025. "The Extent and Predictors of Fathers’ Involvement in the Raising of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the UAE," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(2), pages 1-10, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:2:p:300-:d:1593178
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rawhi Abdat & Maxwell Peprah Opoku & Mohammed Safi & Siham Al Harballeh & Rhoda Myra Garces-Bacsal, 2023. "Virtual Training on Stress Management for the Mothers of Children with Disabilities in the United Arab Emirates," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-12, January.
    2. Louis John Camilleri, 2022. "Exploring the Lived Experiences of Fathers of Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Narrative Inquiry," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, April.
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