Abstract
This study considered the differing effects that autism has upon the caregiver from the perspective of providers. This qualitative study used grounded theory and content analysis. Results were coded using both manifest and latent content. A convenient sample of 11 respondents participated in the project, answering questions about their knowledge of the effects of ASD upon the caregiver. Data analysis revealed that tending to a child with ASD is draining, that it creates strain in caregiver’s relationships, and that it has an impact on the caregiver’s emotional life. While there was a major theme of drain found, a significant finding emerged conveying that caregiving can also generate positive emotions. Implications for social work policy and practice are discussed with a recommendation being that practitioners begin to devote attention to the caregiver as they do their autistic client.