What will happen after graduation? SEN parents’ expectations of adulthood programmes for special needs and disabled sons and daughters in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In this thesis, I explore perceptions of mothers of young adults with special educational needs about the nature of educational and vocational changes after graduation. I focus on their experiences of after graduation services, and preparation and qualification services for this transition for these young people. Moreover, the content of Saudi Arabia will be in focus in the study, discussion the amount of need and gaps on the field of SEN Service for adults. Fifteen mothers of young adults with disabilities who underwent graduation and completed their schooling program from Saudi Arabia were recruited. Interviews with mothers were conducted following a semi-structured protocol. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic analytic approach that was divided into four main themes. The nature of the challenges and changes faced by mothers about the transition after graduation included issues related to lack of competence and opportunities for special needs at this stage, along with the impact of preparation for both the students and their family. The analysis showed diversity in mothers' responses on the above topics. The concluding discussion considers the relationship between transitional programs and the challenges faced by families. Which can be beneficial in terms of presenting the lack of choices for SEN adults.