This Doha International Family Institute report explores the challenges faced by families raising children with autism and the psychological impact on parents. The findings highlight widespread frustrations with service systems, including long wait times, inconsistent service quality, and limited access to inclusive education.

Raising a child with autism can be an isolating experience, often compounded by limited community awareness, social stigma, and financial pressures. Many parents report gaps in knowledge about autism and developmental milestones, alongside concerns about their children’s long-term independence and transition into adulthood.

The report offers a set of key recommendations, including accelerating diagnostic pathways with clearer communication for parents, improving early access to services, strengthening government-provided therapies through well-trained professionals, simplifying paid leave processes for caregiving parents, increasing public awareness, expanding mental health support for families, and promoting practical stress management strategies.