Parents' experiences in accessing services for their autistic children in the United Kingdom: A meta-synthesis

Parents of autistic children support their children through additional challenges, often experiencing adversity as a result. Such parents report high support needs, yet service provision is often limited. Services often support children through providing various psychological interventions to parents. Quantitative evidence for such interventions is mixed and qualitative evidence is sparse. This review therefore aimed to synthesise the perspectives of UK parents regarding interventions for their autistic child.

The databases Scopus, Embase, Medline, PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science and ASSIA were searched in February 2025. Inclusion criteria constituted qualitative articles published in English from 2004 onwards exploring UK parents' perspectives of interventions aimed at supporting autistic children. Articles were evaluated using Standard Quality Assessment Criteria. Thematic meta-synthesis was conducted.

Fourteen papers were identified: eight high-quality, one medium-quality, and four low-quality. Interventions were psychoeducational behavioural, communication-based, sensory-related or mental-health based in nature. Themes included change, relationship with help, parents' need to process and solidarity.

Facilitators of positive change included learning, empowerment, structure and rigour, while barriers included delivery issues and unhelpful information. Parents reported finding solidarity amongst similar parents helpful. Reflective space was deemed useful in facilitating new understanding of autistic lives. Methodological quality varied, with more reflexive and theoretically grounded research encouraged. Future research should also consider implementing embedding processes into qualitative designs.