Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Saudi Children and its Impact on their Families

Objective: This study aimed to explore the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among Saudi children and to assess its impact on their families. Subjects and Methods: This study followed a crosssectional study design, based on a self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected from 227 Saudi families of autistic children over a period of 7 months. The questionnaires were distributed to the families who attended the World Autism Awareness Day 2014 activities at Abha City and also through the Clinics of the National Program for Developmental and Behavioral Disorders in Abha Psychiatry Hospital. An electronic version of the questionnaires was sent to other registered Saudi families with autistic children, which were sent back to the researchers electronically. Results: Two thirds of participant families reported that mass media was their main source of information. Speech therapy was the most frequently used therapeutic intervention. Having an autistic child has a negative impact on the family, and has revealed that only 36% used a modified dieting and half of families believe that brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Electroencephalography (EEG), heavy metal testing are necessary for the diagnosis of autism. Conclusions: Mass media has a major role as a source of information about ASD. Some misbeliefs among families regarding requested investigations need to be identified and corrected among families of autistic children. More awareness activities for the families of autistic children should be widely promoted. Treating team should provide education and support to parents.