

Autism has a genetic component, and what you describe (specifically his pattern of behavior, not his beliefs) makes it sound like he may be undiagnosed autistic. Not a doctor or psychologist, but it’s an amusing thought nonetheless that he may be responsible for his children’s autism
Hence, the qualification that I’m referring specifically to his pattern of behavior, not beliefs. More specifically, I’m referring to his obsessive, rigid hyperfixations. The abuse is entirely on him.
Interestingly, I have a family member who is almost certainly undiagnosed autistic, and he acts very similarly to what is described in the OP, even down to the “I know better than the experts” rhetoric. The vast majority of autistic people aren’t like that, but it is interesting for me to note the similarities between these 2 people.