Fathers in Transition: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Father–Child Relationship and Caregiving of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract Background: The pandemic-led lockdown had brought about varied changes in the lives of the people. Parents had more time to spend with their children. Most of the studies conducted in the pandemic were on mothers. Only few studies have focused exclusively on fathers and on children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Aim: The study aimed at perceiving the change in father–child relationship and father’s involvement in childcare of children with NDDs before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: Fifty-three fathers of children aged 6–16 years diagnosed with NDDs were recruited for a hospital-based, cross-sectional study with retrospective assessment. The Child–Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) and Inventory of Father Involvement (IFI) were used to evaluate paternal involvement and relationship quality before and during the pandemic. Data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 24. Results: Significant differences were observed between the prepandemic and pandemic periods in time spent by fathers with their children ( z = −5.272, P = 0.000, r = 0.724), closeness on CPRS scale ( z = −2.992, P = 0.003, r = 0.411), and several IFI domains: disciplining ( z = −1.986, P = 0.047, r = 0.273), mothers support ( z = −2.680, P = 0.007, r = 0.368), time talking together ( z = −4.105, P = 0.000, r = 0.564), praise and affection ( z = −3.958, P = 0.000, r = 0.544), reading and homework ( z = −3.573, P = 0.000, r = 0.491), and attentiveness ( z = −2.449, P = 0.014, r = 0.336). Conclusions: The pandemic period was associated with greater paternal time, emotional closeness, and engagement in caregiving. These findings suggest a gradual transition from the traditional “provider-only” role toward a more nurturing, co-parenting model. Strengthening policies that encourage father participation in childcare, flexible work arrangements, and father-inclusive interventions could help sustain these positive changes beyond crisis periods.