Background: Caring for a child with autism as a "developmental disorder of a lifelong nature" is associated with many challenges and has different definitions in the literature. The purpose of this study was to clarify the concept of parenting of the children with autism and its changes over time.

Method: In this study, Rodgers' Evolutionary concept analysis approach has been used. Published articles were reviewed in valid scientific databases without regard to time limit and with the keywords of Autism, children, parenting, parenting children with autism, child parents, and caregiver. Articles were assessed in nursing sciences, psychology, social sciences, and medicine, and was limited to full-text and English-language. A total of 65 articles were selected; then the data were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings: The concept of parenting of children with autism is a concept with a process nature which has four attributes including: "demanding and challenging", "unique and multifaceted (guidance, education and socialization of children)", "dynamic interaction between parents and child"; "Personality growth and spiritual journey."

Conclusion: This concept analysis could be a basis for further research to explain the meaning of parenting in a particular group of children for programs of parenting of children with autism.

Keywords: Autism, children, parenting, concept, caregiver