Beyond the Diagnosis: Navigating Autism as Both Mother and Clinical Psychologist

This article presents the developmental journey of a 5-year-old child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the adaptive transformation of a mother from caregiver to co-therapist. The narrative is based on clinical observation using maternal reflective account on caregiver burden, evolving acceptance and the ecological nature of autism intervention and advocates an understanding of autism intervention as embedded in an ecosystem-based process rather than a narrow clinical model. Balancing both the perspectives of a clinical psychologist and a parent, this article captures the emotional, logistical and relational challenges associated with diagnosis, early intervention and long-term therapeutic management. The proposed CARE Model of Autism Caregiving – Clinical Awareness, Adaptive Overload, Relational Synchronization and Evolving Acceptance – conceptualizes autism caregiving/parenting as a dynamic, ongoing and adaptive process shaped by personal and contextual factors. The narrative traces the progression from early parental observations, developmental concerns and final diagnosis to structured interventions. The parenting journey presented here has evolved beyond conventional parental responsibilities and includes therapeutic participation, advocacy and continuous adaptation. This reflective work frames the role of caregivers as active partners in the therapeutic journey and provides insights for clinicians, researchers and families navigating autism across diverse sociocultural contexts.