Autism in Saudi Arabia, a challenge to Saudi families: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a mental condition, usually presented from early childhood; it is often observed and diagnosed within the first 3 years of the child's life. This study aims to evaluate the challenges that families are facing regarding raising a child with Autism in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia from December 2016 to February 2017 to assess the challenges faced by families of ASD children. This study involved all the families that have one or more autistic children between the ages of 1 and 12 years. The data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire distributed electronically and in paper form among families with an autistic child with the help of autism centers. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.

Results: The questionnaire consisted of 31 questions, a total of 61 families participated in this study. Regarding the diagnosis, the majority of the sample was diagnosed with Autism at an early age. The prevalence of ASD in males was found higher than in females. Public awareness was still very poor. Families were spending a lot of money even though the government’s facilities were acceptable. The study found it to be challenging to raise an autistic child in the studied population 

Conclusion: The study found families with autistic children were suffering from many challenges, psychologically, socially, emotionally, and financially in the Saudi population. Keywords: Autism, Saudi families, autism spectrum disorder, challenges, child.