Bringing Autism Fathers Together

As fathers to children with autism, Mike Dempsey and Jamiel Owens agree that every family in their situation faces unique difficulties in their journey. They also agree that there is one rock solid truth for every dad who cares for a child with autism: It’s a challenge that no father should try to shoulder alone.

“The notions we have of fatherhood in this country absolutely do not work for a father of a child with autism,” Owens said. “If you follow that old model you will fail miserably. It’s okay to lean on others. In fact, you have to lean on others.”

Dempsey said there is a special connection that fathers form with each other once they are able to discuss their experiences.

“As a dad to a daughter with autism, I can share things with other dads that I can’t with anyone else,” Dempsey said. “You can relate to other dads and talk about experiences you’ve been through, and it helps to have people who can listen and relate to you.”

To help facilitate connection, learning and support for fathers of children with autism, the UNC Autism Research Center is hosting the third annual UNC Autism Fathers Conference on April 30, 2022 on Zoom [register here]. The virtual event will feature expert speakers with useful insight into raising children with autism.

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