Abstract
This study examines the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder perspectives on the initial diagnosis. This research is of qualitative design in which four mothers of children with autism were asked a series of interview questions. The results indicate an emotional impact on not only the mothers, but the family as a whole. In addition the results indicate a need for more education around the topic of autism itself. Implications for social work indicate a need for change at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.