Rotherham father launches support group for dads with neurodiverse kids
“I think dads especially often think they have no one to talk to about it.”
A Rotherham bus driver has set up a new peer support group for dads with children who are neurodiverse.
The Neurodiverse Dads Space, which is due to launch tomorrow (Tuesday, November 10), aims to create a safe haven for fathers experiencing the challenges involved with raising a neurodiverse child.
Its founder, Dean Whiteman, aged 33, has experienced these challenges first-hand as dad to his 12-year-old daughter, Olivia, who has autism and ADHD.
He told the Advertiser about how he decided to create a group of his own after facing difficulties with his own mental health and struggling to find the right support.
“If someone else was creating this, I’d definitely want to go,” he said.
A survey by the Carers Trust found that 46 per cent of dads raising children with additional needs said their mental health was negatively impacted by their parenting responsibilities.
In addition, 73 per cent of dads said their responsibilities meant missing out on socialising with friends and family.
“It can be really difficult,” said Mr Whiteman, “I think dads especially often think they have no one to talk to about it.”
Mr Whiteman hopes that the group will help to break the stigma surrounding dads opening up and asking for help.
He also wants it to provide a space for them to be supported by other parents who understand what it is like to have a child who is neurodiverse.
He said: “Talking to other dads and families and hearing their positive responses to the group has made me feel a lot better.”
Mr Whiteman also wants to make it clear that dads do not need to have a child with an official diagnosis to attend, as long waitlists for assessments can leave families in limbo when it comes to accessing support.
Data from NHS England shows that in June 2026, there were 294,792 patients with an open referral for suspected autism. Over 50 per cent of these were under the age of 18.
Sessions are open for dads to discuss whatever is on their minds, from tackling waitlists and assessments, to gaining support at school, to strategies and tactics to deal with certain behaviours.
Those with younger children can learn from the advice of parents with older children, and everyone will have the opportunity to discuss their child’s challenges and successes in an understanding and non-judgemental environment.
“There are no boxes to tick here,” Mr Whiteman explained, “If you are not ready to share your story, there is no pressure to speak, just turn up and listen in”.
He hopes to eventually run whole family sessions where parents can bring their partners and children along to participate in activities like arts and crafts, but wants the core emphasis of the group at this stage to focus on supporting fathers to learn from, and lean on, each other.
The Neurodiverse Dads Space runs every Tuesday 7-9pm at the meeting room, Courtyard by Marriott, Maple Ct, Catcliffe, Rotherham, S60 5GR. You can also keep up to date on the group via its Facebook page, The Neurodiverse Dads Space, or via email [email protected]
For immediate mental health concerns call Samaritans on 116 123.