Evaluation of a Support Group for Fathers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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  • Miriam Elfert University of British Columbia
  • Pat Mirenda University of British Columbia

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autism spectrum disorder##common.commaListSeparator## fathers##common.commaListSeparator## support group

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This study evaluated the impact of a support group designed for fathers of children with autism. Two groups of 6 fathers each attended 8 weekly sessions that focused on various topics related to parenting a child with autism. Pre- and post-intervention, participants completed measures of depression, marital adjustment, parenting stress, optimism, coping strategies, and social validity. Participants in one group also completed these measures 4 months later. Results indicated no significant changes on all but one measure; however, participants strongly endorsed the utility of the support group experience. Results are discussed with reference to previous research, limitations, and clinical recommendations.

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2015-07-21

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##issue.vol## 49 ##issue.no## 2 (2015): Regular Issue

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Articles/ Articles

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Copyright is retained by the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

##submission.howToCite##

Evaluation of a Support Group for Fathers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (2015). Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 49(2). https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/61054