# Impact of Factors Associated with Promoting Family Functioning in Fathers on Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

## TL;DR

This study explores how fathers' parenting behaviors can reduce family stress and improve outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

## Contribution

The study identifies how fathers' childcare behaviors indirectly reduce children's behavioral problems by lowering parental stress.

## Key findings

- Fathers' effective childcare behaviors significantly reduce the spouse's parenting stress.
- Reduced parental stress is linked to fewer behavioral problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Father training programs should focus on self-awareness and positive partner relationships.

## Abstract

Raising a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder can present significant challenges for families and is a known risk factor for increased parental stress. Successfully addressing these challenges by promoting family functioning is considered crucial, with particular recent emphasis on optimal paternal involvement. Interventions targeting fathers can help foster stronger family relationships, reduce stress, and enhance overall family functioning, which in turn supports the growth and neurodevelopment of the child. The present study examined the impact of fathers’ successful childcare behaviors and attitudes on the family, specifically focusing on children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

An online survey was conducted with couples who had children aged 2 to 12 years diagnosed with or suspected of having a neurodevelopmental disorder. The survey explored the characteristics of fathers considered successful in parenting, assessing their effect on the child’s neurodevelopment and the partner’s parenting stress. Structural models were then constructed to quantify these relationships.

The survey results indicated that fathers who effectively managed childcare responsibilities indirectly contributed to reducing the child’s behavioral problems by significantly alleviating the spouse’s parenting stress.

Fathers may play an important role in indirectly mitigating behavioral issues in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Fostering self-awareness in fathers and helping them build positive relationships with their partners appear to be essential components of effective parenting. These aspects should be incorporated into father training programs to better support family dynamics and, by extension, the growth of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.