This thesis consists of three parts: a major literature review, an empirical study and a critical appraisal. In Part One, the literature review begins with exploration of contextual factors, then moves onto exploring research relating to the challenges associated with being the parent of a child diagnosed with autism, before moving onto exploration of literature concerned with the internal experience of being the parent of a child diagnosed with autism. In Part Two, following a brief overview of the literature, the empirical study provides a detailed account of the research undertaken. This includes an outline of the methodology and method and presents an interpretative phenomenological analysis of semi-structured interviews with four mothers and two fathers of young children with a diagnosis of autism, exploring their early journeys in the broadest sense. This analysis is explored in relation to psychological literature, particularly, before a discussion of the implications for future research and for educational psychology practice. This analysis is explored in relation to psychological literature, particularly systemic thinking, before a discussion of the implications for future research and for educational psychology practice. Part Three, the critical appraisal, consists of two parts: firstly, a critical account of the research process is given from inception through to completion including ontological, epistemological and ethical considerations as well as difficulties encountered; secondly, a more detailed discussion of the findings is offered in relation to psychological literature and the contribution to knowledge and educational psychology practice.