A systematic review and meta-synthesis of the lived experiences of parenting a child with an autism spectrum disorder

Background Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Parents are often the first to notice atypical developmental patterns and must navigate a complex journey following diagnosis. While numerous qualitative studies explore these lived experiences, there remains a continuous need to comprehensively synthesize this evidence to better understand parents’ challenges, coping mechanisms, and needs. Methods A systematic review and meta-synthesis were conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed qualitative studies published between 2012 and 2022 were searched across four major databases (CINAHL, Medline via PubMed, PsycInfo, and ProQuest). The SPIDER framework guided inclusion criteria, and NVivo 12 Pro supported the inductive thematic synthesis. Quality was assessed using the CASP tool. Findings Nineteen studies (n = 461 participants) met inclusion criteria. Three overarching themes emerged: parental challenges, coping strategies, and unmet parental needs. Analyses showed that while parents adapt through faith, spousal cooperation, and advocacy, persistent stressors, such as stigma, service barriers, and emotional exhaustion remain. Fathers’ experiences were particularly appreciated and reported within the identified themes. Conclusion This synthesis consolidates global evidence on the lived experiences of parents raising a child with ASD. It underscores the need for culturally responsive, accessible services and inclusive policies that recognize both mothers’ and fathers’ perspectives. It is aimed at informing policy decisions and implementation.