Reality, difficulties, and possible solutions to Services and programmes provided for autistic children in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of specialists.

Abstract

Abstract

Reality, difficulties, and possible solutions to Services and programmes provided for autistic children in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of specialists.

Autism spectrum disorder, commonly referred to as ASD, according to the Depression DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria. Specialists have blamed this slow trend on limited services, poor quality services, overlap in roles and functions of regulatory bodies, a lack of public awareness, and insufficient training of professionals. However, despite these problems, government-sponsored programs continue to provide some positive outcomes for individuals who have the ability to access their services.

This research study’s aim is to explore the difficulties and possible solutions to services and programmes provided for children with autism in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of specialists. A qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted to analyse specialists’ experiences and perspectives In specific, semi-structured face-to-face interviews and questionnaires were conducted with both specialists. Additionally, other secondary data sources were used. Such sources include published and unpublished data, journals, and reliable online articles. The sample size was 41 respondents The questionnaire included demographic data like gender, occupation Educational background/qualification , experience in the field of autism .Statistical data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Descriptive statistics measure the evaluation of KSA government’s support A total of 41 [33 (80.5%) male and 8 (19.5%) female] participants were evaluated. that most of respondents’ occupation was Educational personnel 48.9%, whilst Licensed therapist (SLP, MSW, SLP),Other (psychologist, manager) and Medical professional (nurse, MD) recorded 34.1%, 9.7% and 7.3% respectively The results revealed that vast majority of respondents decided that the availability of programs/services to treat autism in KSA was inadequate 90.2%, While those who thought it was adequate represented 9.8%. 20 of respondents strongly agree that “there has been a large increase in the prevalence rate of autism in the KSA over the last 10 years” with percent 48.8% . 15(36.6%) of the respondents evaluated the government’s support to autistic individuals in KSA with "excellen

The study recommended that the Saudi government has made various efforts in relation to the development of programs and services to support autistic individuals and their families, Additionally, the government ought to make more investments in the training and recruitment of new professionals to make sure that autistic individuals are subjected to appropriate and timely services .