Stages of grieving in fathers of autistic children: a qualitative study.

The grieving process in parents of these children is an ongoing and cyclic one since there is no real end to it. We explored the experience of grief and feelings of loss in fathers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in the west and northwest of Iran. This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis. Fourteen fathers took part in a semi-structured interview. Six categories were identified in relation to the stages of grief: 1- "Uncertainty of dealing with the unpleasant unknown"; 2- "Being hurt and broken inside"; 3- "Isolation and concealment as a consequence of the pressure caused by ignorance"; 4- "Search for cause"; 5- "Search for a cure"; 6- "Breaking or blooming". Fathers of children with ASD go through intense and continuous sorrow and grief. According to our findings, it is recommended that health care professionals work collaboratively with fathers and provide support upon receiving the diagnosis of their child.