Predictors of Fathers’ Involvement in the Rehabilitation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United Arab Emirates

Background: Raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has consistently been found to be challenging for parents. However, available studies have mainly drawn on mothers, raising questions about the extent of involvement of fathers in the raising of 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’ involvement (attitude, support and participation in training) in the nurturance of children with ASD in the UAE. Methods: One-hundred and seventy-seven (177) fathers raising children with ASD in the UAE completed the revised 27-item Fathers’ Involvement in Development and Rehabilitation Scale. The SPSS was used to compute means and perform a multivariate analysis of variance and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Fathers rated themselves highly on each of the tenets of involvement: attitude, support and participation in training to assist their children with ASD. Also, support and participation in training made significant contributions to the variance in attitude towards children with ASD. Conclusion: The study concludes on the need for policymakers to capitalise on the gains already made in creating a conducive environment for the development of children with ASD in the UAE. Regular engagement between policymakers and fathers could enhance the quality of their involvement in the raising of children with ASD.