Parenting an Autistic Child: Experiences of Parents with Significant Autistic Traits

Abstract

Despite autism being highly heritable, this study is the first to investigate the experiences of parents of autistic children who have significant autistic traits themselves. Eight parents of autistic children with significant autistic traits themselves were interviewed regarding their parenting experiences. In line with what has previously been reported by parents of autistic children, participants described difficulties with parental mental health and navigating professional services. Novel participant experiences included the interaction between parental and child autistic traits helping and hindering their parenting; parents learning to manage their own autistic traits, and parents finding the home to be an accepting place of autism. The need for adequately funded, tailored and accessible services for these families is emphasised.