Recognising Fathers: the experiences of fathers who have children with learning disabilities

Recognising Fathers
Image of a young girl on her father's shoulders

What we aimed to achieve through our research with fathers:

  • Fathers are no longer the 'invisible parent'
  • They are valued in their role as carers
  • Policy and practice responds to the needs of both fathers and mothers who are raising a child with learning disabilities
  • 'Recognising Fathers' leads to a better life for all the family

Background

We know that fathers often respond differently to mothers when they get a diagnosis that their child has a learning disability.

At the time of diagnosis, and in the years ahead, support in their caring roles is usually geared more to mothers than fathers.

Fathers say they sometimes feel like an ‘invisible’ parent.

So we started this work by interviewing fathers to learn from them about their experiences.

Interviews with Fathers

During 2005-2006 we interviewed 21 fathers who had children under the age of 11 with learning disabilities. 

These interviews showed that fathers valued being involved in their children’s lives but sometimes things worked against this, such as:

  • Services talking to mothers and ignoring dads
  • Employers thinking fathers should not need to take time off for their children’s appointments

We wrote a report about what we found out from the interviews. A summary of the report is also available.

The findings made us realise the need to carry out further research which led to a national survey of fathers.

National Survey

In  2007/2008 we carried out a national survey of fathers who have children with learning disabilities up to the age of 19.

The questionnaire asked fathers questions about:

  • What kind of care they gave and activities they were involved in
  • Impact on their relationships with family and friends
  • Changes in employment
  • Support in employment
  • Looking after their health
  • Attitude of services and involvement in meetings

Reports and Information

The report, 'Recognising Fathers: A national survey of fathers who have children with learning disabilities’, presents the findings from 251 fathers who completed a questionnaire. The report highlights that current policies and practices often fail to acknowledge or support fathers in their role as carers.

There is a Need2Know briefing for policy makers, commissioners and services.

We have also produced guidelines for practitioners in education, health, social care and family support settings to involve fathers in meetings and appointments.

What we Found out from the Research


Fathers’ Involvement with their Children

Fathers have a strong sense of responsibility about providing care for their child and supporting their partner. Many are trying to spend more time with their child to meet these responsibilities, but their main motivation is that they enjoy their child’s company. They also feel that their involvement has a positive impact on their child’s life.

Services Involving Fathers

Many services encourage fathers to attend and participate in meetings about their child and fathers welcome this. However,  some meetings are arranged in ways that make it difficult for them to attend. For example, giving short notice means that fathers in employment are not able to take time off. Sometimes, when fathers go to a review meeting they are not asked for their views.

Balancing Paid Work and Caring Responsibilities

Fathers need flexibility at work in order to be involved in their child’s care. In order to get this flexibility they often have to change either the kind of work they do or move to part-time work. These changes can lead to a loss of career opportunities and income. Some fathers have stopped working altogether because of these difficulties.

Keeping Healthy

Fathers talked about experiencing high levels of stress and stress related illnesses. A major cause of worry is their child’s future. Fathers are receiving very little help from GPs or other health workers with looking after their own health. Almost half said they need more help and they were often those on lower incomes.

  • We want to see fathers encouraged and supported to be involved through:
  • Education, health and social care services including fathers in meetings and in decision making about their children
  • Employers giving more support to fathers to combine their caring responsibilities with their paid work
  • GPs and other health workers giving fathers help to look after their health
  • Opportunities for fathers to meet and provide peer support

More Information

For more information about Recognising Fathers contact Christine Towers on 020 7803 1158 or email ctowers@fpld.org.uk.