Stigmatization among parents of autism spectrum disorder children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Among participated parents of children with ASD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 33.7% of them experienced stigmatization, and mothers felt more self- and enacted stigmatized when compared to fathers. Public awareness among people in Saudi Arabia have been increased and, thus, negative stigmatization has decreased among parents in the country. A high level of felt stigma suggests the need for psychological intervention for the family to help cope with this new situation. A higher level of enacted stigma suggests the need for their rights (individuals with ASD) and increased awareness in the society. It is recommended that further research is needed in different centers in Riyadh and other regions of Saudi Arabia to investigate the prevalence of stigma in parents of autistic children.