The present study aimed to assess the stress and coping strategies of mothers of children with  Autism.The objectives were: to assess the stress of mothers of children with Autism and to explore the coping strategies used by the mothers of children with Autism. Non-experimental descriptive method for the study was adopted.30 subjects who fulfilled the selection criteria were taken. Setting for the study was Prasanna Autistic Centre;Pune .Sampling technique was random sampling technique . After obtaining permission from the concerned authority and informed consent from the samples, the tool was administered. The tool was divided into three sections: Demographic Variable, Parental Stress Scale and COPE Inventory: Data collected were analyzed and interpreted in terms of objectives of the study by using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that the majority (96.7%) of mothers had severe level of stress. The most frequently used coping strategies was positive reinterpretation and growth followed by use of emotional social support and then religious coping. Acceptance and active coping were also used by the mothers of children with Autism. Substance use and humor were used least by the mothers of children with Autism. 

Key words: Stress; Coping strategies; Autism.