A Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-synthesis of Mothers’ Experiences of Parenting Autistic Women and Girls

Abstract This review systematically explores qualitative evidence of the lived experience of mothers’ parenting autistic women and girls. A SPIDER search strategy was conducted on five databases and in the grey literature. Backward, forward and relevant journal scanning was also carried out. Twenty-two qualitative or mixed-method studies were included and quality appraised using CASP, encompassing over 150 mothers. A thematic synthesis highlighted five super-ordinate themes; ‘ The diagnosis process and getting support ’, ‘ Mother’s role as all consuming ’, ‘ Experiences of family wellbeing ’, ‘ Mother as an expert observer ’ and ‘ The hopes and fears of mothers ’. The review highlights areas of motivation to socialise, masking and menstruation needs as key differences in the autistic female presentation from a mothers’ perspective. Implications for practice are discussed.