The experiences of autistic parents in a predominantly neurotypical world
The purpose of this project is to understand the experiences of autistic parents across the parenting journey, from pregnancy through to parenting adult children. This is an autistic-led project that seeks to explore our strengths and joys, as well as our challenges, as autistic parents.
What does the published literature say about us?
We found 44 papers in the academic literature on autistic people's experiences of parenting.
Much of the research focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, infant feeding, and raising young children. There is less research on parenting older children or adults.
The research identifies common challenges for autistic parents, including sensory issues and communication barriers. Autistic parents have difficulty communicating with health professionals and experience stigma and misunderstanding.
There is less research into the strengths of autistic parents. The research that does exist consistently reports evidence of high levels of empathy, commitment to their children’s wellbeing, and positive parent-child relationships.
Interviews with Autistic Parents
We interviewed 93 autistic parents from around the world; asking them about the challenges, strengths and joys of parenting as an autistic person.
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They represented all parenting stages, with the oldest child currently:
- a baby, toddler or pre-schooler (13 parents)
- primary school aged (33 parents)
- secondary school aged (18 parents)
- post-secondary/adult (29 parents)
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We are currently analysing this data but preliminary findings show a much greater diversity of both challenges and strengths than those identified in the published literature.
LIVE NOW!
We are conducting the next stage of our research into autistic adults’ experiences of parenting.
PARTICIPATION INVOLVES:
Completing an anonymous online survey that takes approximately 20 minutes
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM PEOPLE WHO:
* Identify as autistic
* Identify as a parent (of babies, children or adults)
* Are 18 years of age or older
This project was approved by the University of Southern Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee: ETH2024-0560
To participate in the survey, click here: https://redcap.unisq.edu.au/surveys/?s=TP94HY44HD8RW3AL
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NOTE the survey includes:
- questions designed for the study (autistic-friendly and affirming) and
- some existing measures (which are included so we can gather data on their relevance and appropriateness for autistic people - we were unable to alter the wording of these)
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Study 1 Findings - Published OPEN ACCESS
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