Metaphorical Meaning of Being a Parent of a Child with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is characterized as a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition whose initial signs typically emerge in early childhood and are reflected in differences in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavioral patterns. Research consistently demonstrates that autism affects not only the diagnosed child but also profoundly shapes parents’ emotional, social, and psychological experiences. Within this framework, the present study aimed to examine the perceptions of parents who have a child diagnosed with autism through a metaphorical lens in order to better understand their lived experiences. A phenomenological design was employed as the qualitative research approach, and data were collected from mothers and fathers using metaphor elicitation forms. The data were analyzed using content analysis, and metaphors were grouped into conceptual categories reflecting parents’ shared meanings. The findings revealed that parents’ perceptions were predominantly associated with difficulty, struggle, uncertainty, and resilience, while some metaphors also reflected hope and meaning-making. The results were interpreted in relation to the existing literature, and recommendations were offered to inform future research and family-centered support practices.