Autistic Mothers' and Birthing Peoples' Experiences of Being a Parent

Section One: Autistic Mothers' and Birthing Peoples' Experiences of Parenting: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence and Thematic Synthesis
Objectives
Parenthood is considered transformative and encompasses physiological, social and relational changes. Qualitative research highlights unique strengths and challenges in this experience for autistic parents. The review aimed to collate, critically appraise and thematically synthesise qualitative literature to further understand the lived experience of parenthood for autistic mothers and birthing people.
Design and Method
Four electronic databases were systematically searched using specified search terms. 29 studies between 2016-2025 with 713 participants were included, and data extracted and analysed using thematic synthesis. The quality of included papers was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative research checklist, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the possible impact on the review findings.
Results
Synthesis revealed three themes and nine subthemes. The three themes were: ‘Being an Autistic Mother/Parent is Overwhelming’, ‘Navigating an Inaccessible System’, and ‘Discovering Identity and Values as an Autistic Parent’.
Conclusions
Findings highlighted both individual and systemic challenges faced during mother/parenthood. Despite this, for many participants, connecting with their children facilitated the discovery of their identity and values as an autistic parent, through which participants identified advocating to support change for themselves and their children.
Section Two: “There’s no real place that’s just for us”: Autistic Mothers’ and Birthing Peoples’ Experiences of Perinatal Mental Healthcare an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)
Objectives
The perinatal period is defined from preconception to two years after birth. Autistic people are more likely to face challenges in navigating sensory, physical and social experiences. This can result in motherhood feeling isolating, placing this population at increased risk of mental illness. The current study sought to understand the experiences of autistic women and birthing people who have a perinatal mental health condition, specifically focusing on their experiences of mental health care.
Design and Method
Five autistic women who experienced challenges with their mental health in the perinatal period completed semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to provide an in-depth understanding of this lived experience.
Results
Three group experiential themes (GETs) emerged through the data, each with subthemes: ‘Amplification of Feeling ‘Different’ and Disconnected’, ‘Losing Trust that I will Get Help’ and ‘The Value of Understanding and Connection’.
Conclusions
Findings highlight the individual, systems and societal barriers to receiving perinatal mental health support. Receiving an autism diagnosis, therapeutic and peer support brought understanding, acceptance and facilitated self-compassion. However, there was concern about how much resource participants had left to sustain this journey on their own. Systemic changes are considered to support autistic mothers and birthing people.