First published online 22 October 2024

Why this study was done

This paper reviewed existing research to understand what autistic parents experience across the whole parenting journey. This ranged from deciding to have children, through pregnancy and early parenting, to raising teenagers and adult children.

What the study did

The authors searched and studied previously published papers about autistic parents. Instead of collecting new interviews or surveys, they brought together what is already known to identify common themes, gaps, and patterns.

What the study found

• Autistic parents experience both significant challenges and considerable strengths in parenting.
• Many face misunderstanding, stigma, and judgment from health professionals, social services, and the wider community.
• Parenting systems are often not designed with autistic support in mind
• At the same time, autistic parents frequently report strengths such as deep commitment to their children, honesty, structure, empathy, and thoughtful parenting approaches.
• There is very little research on autistic parents of older children or adults, and on culturally diverse or marginalised groups.

What this means

The review highlights that autistic parents are often unsupported or misunderstood, not because they are poor parents, but because systems are not inclusive. The authors call for better professional training, more inclusive services, and research that centres autistic voices.

This study was conducted by:

Dr Sandra Thom-Jones, Professor Charlotte Brownlow and Dr Susan Abel.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

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