Children with special needs require appropriate intervention services to optimize their development; however, access to these services remains a challenge for many families in Indonesia. This study aimed to explore parents' experiences in facing challenges in accessing intervention services for children with special needs. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was employed. The participants consisted of three mothers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that parents recognized the need for intervention after identifying developmental delays and receiving professional diagnoses. They experienced difficulties in obtaining information about appropriate services and encountered barriers related to financial costs, geographical distance, limited availability of professionals, and time management. Caring for children with special needs also imposed emotional burdens, including sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and concerns about their children's future. To cope with these challenges, parents developed adaptive strategies through financial management, home-based stimulation, and communication with therapists. Support from family members, schools, professionals, and parent communities helped sustain the continuity of intervention services. These experiences fostered parents' acceptance, resilience, patience, and hope for their children's development and future independence.
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