Stories of Competence, Challenges, and Coping: The Experiences of Australian Autistic People During Pregnancy and Early Parenthood

Background: Autistic people often face significant challenges in navigating health care systems, particularly during the vulnerable perinatal period. Many report inadequate care, feeling misunderstood, and being unsupported in addressing their health needs. We explored the pregnancy and early parenthood experiences of Autistic individuals in Australia, addressing the unique health care barriers they may face. Methods: To address the study aims, we interviewed 19 Autistic participants living in Australia about their pregnancy and early parenthood experiences. We conducted interviews using multiple modes, including written responses, virtual meetings, or phone calls to ensure accessibility. We analyzed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: We constructed four key themes from the data. The first theme, “Pregnancy was good for me,” reflected feelings of body positivity and empowerment during pregnancy. Theme 2, “Hyperfocus as an understatement,” illustrated participants’ intense desire to gather information on every aspect of pregnancy and parenthood, which both facilitated and hindered their well-being. The third theme, “Lost in the system,” described the social drain caused by unpredictable health care interactions. The final theme, “Making things work for me,” detailed the coping mechanisms and strategies participants used to manage the demands of pregnancy and early parenthood. Conclusions: Our findings amplify the stories of competence and empowerment among Autistic parents, highlighting their experiences of resilience and agency in navigating these life transitions. It acknowledges the positive aspects of Autistic parenthood, which are often overlooked in research, and seeks to enhance the evidence base to inform health care practices that better meet the needs of Autistic parents. Importantly, these findings have broader implications for improving health care in other areas where Autistic people face similar challenges. By focusing on the localized experiences within Australia’s health infrastructure, this research provides insights that contribute to more effective inclusive health care interventions, ensuring that Autistic individuals receive the support they need during these critical life stages.