Abstract
Purpose – This paper seeks to present the viewpoint of a family carer of a young man with autism. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the author’s views and experiences of caring for a family member with autism. It is a personal account of the impact that “autism” can have on family carers. Findings – It is a long, arduous, lonely and silent journey that carers travel, long before any recognition comes with diagnosis. Originality/value – The paper provides a unique insight into the day to day experiences of a family carer of a person with autism.