ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the parenthood journey, struggles, joys, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). First, a review of ASD and its implications is presented, followed by a discussion of the multilayered and compounding stressors associated with the experience of parenting a child with ASD. A study of 16 parents of young adults diagnosed with ASD is presented, highlighting the self-disclosed PTG and benefits experienced by these parents, followed by a discussion of how their way of coping contributes to their PTG experience. The chapter concludes with suggestions for future research and recommendations for professionals serving parents of children with ASD on how to support the facilitation of PTG in this population.
