Background Autism, a severe childhood disorder, affects the family system in dramatic ways.
Method Fifty-two parents of children with autism were interviewed to explore their struggles and their successes
qualitatively.
Results Five challenges that emerged from these familys experiences were: Development, Questioning, Devastation, Solutions,
and Growth. Every parent described the confusion that resulted from their childs behavioural presentation and the feelings of
loss and devastation that occurred after discovering their child has autism. Parents, however, were swift and eager to mobilise
resources to help their child, sometimes in any possible way. Almost every parent described significant, positive experiences
that resulted from raising a child with autism, despite the hardships.
Conclusions The findings of this study provide important considerations for professionals and families.