What do you think of this idea

[googlenut]

Dh is thinking of starting up a website for dads who have children with asd. Although he is quite a gregarious person he thinks men and women deal with having a child with asd differently. Broadly speaking women talk a lot more whereas men tend to keep quiet.
What do you all think? Can you see a need for it?

I think it couldn't hurt. It would be helpful to have links to reputable/reliable counselling groups. God know the NHS has been less than helpful for DH in this regard, and some of his problems stem from DS2's ASD/ADHD and not being able to cope with it.

Do you think dads would be more willing to talk if it was an online resource and forum?

Don't know. DH's fallback position is anger and impatience (generally directed at me and the boys). No idea.

DH is a bit of a geek and not great at talking face to face (we now recognise many asd traits in him!) It sounds like something that he would be suit him.

Sorry that should have said "something that he would be interested in"

It could work? how about starting a fb closed group and then see how that goes and also build up mrmbers whilst he is doing the website?

I think its a good idea. A lot of men are more closed up about it than women and it might help knowing that there are others in the same boat :)

I think it's a great idea.

My dh has searched the web for something similar and all he could find was a couple of American dads to follow on FB/Twitter/Blogs etc. He says this does help, but a lot of what they talk about isn't relevant/applicable to UK parents.

Silly thing is, my dh is actually a web-designer himself. Unfortunately he just wouldn't have the time to commit to keeping something like that up to date.

I think it's a good idea too :)

My DH wouldn't have time to look or even "converse" he is so snowed under with work and travel. He just expects me to keep on top of it all, tbh!

OP i think my dh might find it interesting...

I think my dh would be interested too, he may be interested in helping set up the site as that is his hobby.

I don't think my dh needs a different type of chat either. Dh is actually a member of MN, but tends not to come here much. I don't think I'd really mind if he did, but at the same time, I do like having just one thing in my life that is mine and doesn't have to be shared with the rest of the family, iyswim. I think he knows that and that's why he doesn't get involved on here really.

That's a hopeless explanation, I know.

I think DH might look at something like that on a website, but not on facebook where some of the posts he might put might be seen by those that are linked to him as friends IYSWIM.

moosemama No, it makes sense. DH doesn't look on MN, and he understands that it's "my thing" or my outlet. But then, he goes on other sites (for example, a facebook game) where he chats and plays, and I steer clear of that as well. I think sometimes we all need our own place.

Thanks for all your feedback- I don't think men and women are that different in the way they talk about things. But I do think when it comes to talking about your child with asd, men seem to keep it more to themselves with friends and colleagues.
I would see it more of a support group than just practical info, but also with updates on the latest research.
There is also the appalling divorce stats (80% I think)?and it seems to be the men that leave- are they feeling unsupported or unable to handle things?
We will do some more thinking about the need.