Autism in Saudi Arabia: Present Realities and Future Challenges

Abstract

Despite improvements in the services provided to individuals with autism, some third world countries continue to struggle to provide services to individuals with autism. In this paper, the impact of culture on people’s understanding of autism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is highlighted, as well as how its influence impacts the provision of necessary supports needed by individuals with autism. Using a historical context, the paper outlines the unique challenges presented by the culture and how these contribute to difficulties government agencies encounter in providing children with autism and their families with services. Autism in Saudi Arabia: Present Realities and Future Challenges by Mona F. Sulaimani & Dianne M. Gut is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Based on a work at https://rdsjournal.org. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at https://www.rds.hawaii.edu.