Browsing by Author "Alsharhan, Haya"

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Exploring Barriers to Ayres Sensory Integration for Social Skills Development in Autistic Children: An Exploratory Study of Occupational Therapists’ Experiences in Saudi Arabia
(Univiersity of Brighton, 2024) Alsharhan, Haya; Tara, Sims
Introduction: Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) is recognized as a therapeutic approach for supporting the social interaction skills of autistic children. However, implementing ASI in Saudi Arabia presents challenges These challenges include limited resources and a lack of parental awareness about the nature and requirements of ASI assessments and interventions, which may compromise the delivery of to provide effective and holistic ASI therapy. This study explores the barriers occupational therapists experience in using ASI to support social skills development for autistic children in Saudi Arabia. Method: An exploratory qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews with six occupational therapists. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to identify and interpret recurring patterns and themes within the data. Findings: Four key barriers emerged: (1) the adaptation of ASI to Saudi Arabia's cultural and institutional context, (2) challenges in applying ASI within clinical settings, (3) ASI’s perceived role in enhancing social interaction skills, and (4) the impact of these barriers on professional identity and practice. Limited access to ASI certification, resource shortages, and insufficient institutional support were identified as significant constraints. Despite these barriers, participants highlighted the potential benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with speech therapists and psychologists, in addressing the social needs of autistic children. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for local ASI certification programs, enhanced institutional support, and culturally tailored frameworks to facilitate the effective implementation of ASI. Future research should explore interdisciplinary approaches and culturally adapted practices to maximize the impact of ASI on social skills development in diverse settings. Addressing these barriers can empower occupational therapists in Saudi Arabia to deliver more effective and culturally relevant interventions, improving the quality of life for autistic children and their families.
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