Abstract: Objective: To systematically evaluate the real experience and needs of caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP journal databases were searched for qualitative studies on the experience of caregivers of children with ASD. The results were integrated by the Meta-synthesis method. Results: In the end, 12 studies were included, and 32 research results were extracted, which were summarized into 12 categories and integrated into 4 results: heavy burden, changes in the roles of family members, self-growth, lack of knowledge and support. Conclusion: ASD is lifelong, and caregivers face great pressure in the long-term care process. Relevant people in society should give more care to families of children with ASD, pay attention to the real experience and needs of the caregivers, provide psychological counseling and necessary support, make them accept and adapt to their roles as soon as possible, and promote the growth of children with ASD.

Key words: Autism Spectrum Disorder; caregivers; experience; demand; Meta-synthesis