Implications for practice and research

• Fathers with intellectual disabilities require informal and formal supports to successfully navigate parenthood.

• The voices of fathers with intellectual disabilities should be prominent in future disability research.

Context

Men with intellectual disabilities become good fathers with appropriate supports in place. Some fathers with intellectual disabilities were underestimated by partners, relatives and professionals, with their abilities to parent continually questioned. While formal and informal supports were viewed as helpful and necessary, there were differences between the support required and those provided. To develop their parenting skills and competence, fathers with intellectual disabilities require additional support.