Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro developmental condition affecting children, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and a tendency toward repetitive behaviors. These issues can create significant strain on families, making the role of caregivers vital in supporting these children. This research focuses on caregivers of autistic children attending special schools in Chennai. It aims to identify demographic differences among caregivers and explore the challenges they face. Additionally, the study will assess the caregivers' socio-demographic profiles, and the burdens associated with caring for children with ASD. This valuable insight can inform targeted support strategies to improve the well-being of both caregivers and children.

The research design selected for this study is a descriptive approach, focusing on the important experiences of caregivers of autistic children enrolled in schools in Chennai. Among the 150 special needs children in these institutions, 60 caregivers of children with ASD were carefully chosen as our sample through simple random sampling. To gain deeper insights into their sociodemographic profiles, we developed a comprehensive questionnaire, while also employing the caregiver burden scale to evaluate the challenges they face.

The study shows that 61.9 percent of caregivers for children with ASD are female, with over half (53.3 percent) aged 30 to 40. An overwhelming 98.6 percent are married, and more than half (55.2 percent) work in the private sector. However, the findings reveal a troubling level of caregiver burden, with 77.1 percent experiencing high levels. Only 12.9 percent report a normal level, while 10.0 percent have a mild level. These results highlight the urgent need for increased support and resources for caregivers who play a critical role in the lives of children with ASD. The analysis of the data collected was conducted using the 20th edition of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), ensuring robust and reliable findings that shed light on this critical issue.