Abstract
With the increasing rate of Autism diagnoses, a better understanding of the experiences of families of children with ASD is critical. A challenge faced by many of these families is difficulty in obtaining adequate support outside the family to help care for their ASD child. The objective of this study was to examine the experience of family members, understanding the resources, emotional impact, sacrifices, and overall quality of life for those impacted by ASD, with a specific emphasis on the impact the condition has on the distribution of labor within the family unit. I asked parents about their experiences with obtaining resources and services, the support they received from other family members, employers, and their experiences in the medical arena. I also inquired about interpersonal relationships, the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on services, and obstacles they faced immediately after receiving their diagnoses. In the seven qualitative interviews, parents highlighted the difficulties they encountered when trying to receive resources and support outside the family, how COVID-19 severely affected these difficulties, and the strain ASD put on their relationships. In addition, parents emphasized the importance of support from family members and work flexibility to manage the daily struggles in caring for their child.