The purpose of this review is twofold. The first is to synthesize factors that impact parents' experiences of caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); the second is to identify factors that impact parental stress and parental decision-making to use autism services or not. Parents of children with ASD score higher on levels of stress than other groups of parents. The daily challenges of caring for the child are endless and effect all aspects of the child's care as well as the parent's mental health and ability to manage the needs of the child and family. Understanding more about the challenges parents face will provide direction for research, intervention development, and practice. Accordingly, a search was conducted using CINAHL and Medline. Inclusion criteria included articles available in full text, published in English, and focused on children with ASD distinct from other diagnoses, as well as parental experiences of caring for a child with ASD. Articles (N = 132) that met the inclusion criteria were summarized. Challenging aspects of the child's diagnosis and care are discussed, as well as the factors that impact parental stress and decision-making to use autism services. Recommendations for research and practice include interventional development related to early diagnosis, disparity, access to care, parental decision-making to use autism services, and parental stress management.

This analysis illuminates an area in which nursing has carved out its own niche in healthcare research. The concept of knowing in nursing practice and research reflects a focus on the individual experience of health and illness.

No abstract

Implementation of healthy weight-related behaviors can be optimized when providers consider the child's challenging ASD behaviors, affirm the difficulties encountered by the family and provide guidance that builds on the individual child/family strengths.

No abstract