Abstract
This qualitative research study focuses on exploring parent's strengths, challenges, and experiences of accessing supportive services when caring for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also known as autism. Previous research has discovered gaps involving resource supportive services, navigation, and formal support systems for parents when seeking additional care for their child with ASD. Four caregivers (three women and one man) were recruited and completed a series of interview questions. This study's findings suggest that the above gaps remain present along with challenges ranging from the difficulties of interacting with other care systems, cost of services, lack of knowledge and service delivery from professionals, the need for a key worker to assist with navigation and coordination of services, and the desire for more general awareness and empathy for those managing ASD. Acquiring a better perspective as to what accessing supportive service involves will assist professionals working within the field to advocate and identify the most effective treatment options and service needs for families. Social workers also need to have a louder voice within the ASD community in order to help create change in the larger systems of medical and metal health care and support the individual needs of all families served.