TY - JOUR
T1 - Parental Perceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Services in the UAE
AU - Alshuaibat, Suha
AU - Soubra, Karina
AU - Alhashmi, Deena
AU - Mohamed, Fathumo
AU - Moqbel, Sarah
AU - Almarzooqi, Saeeda
AU - Alloub, Zeinab
AU - Willis, Sandra
AU - Albanna, Ammar
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s).
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Objective: This qualitative study explored parental perceptions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: Forty-one parents of children with ASD participated in five focus groups to explore their experiences with ASD services in the UAE. These moderated focus groups were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The following primary themes and subthemes were identified: (a) lack of awareness and support, (b) challenges in accessibility and affordability, (c) inconsistent quality of therapeutic services, and (d) Lack of educational inclusion and support. Conclusion: Findings of this study support the need for creating a comprehensive system of care for ASD that is coordinated, is person centered, and promotes continuity of care that improves the outcomes for those “navigating” the often-fragmented system of ASD in the UAE.
AB - Objective: This qualitative study explored parental perceptions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: Forty-one parents of children with ASD participated in five focus groups to explore their experiences with ASD services in the UAE. These moderated focus groups were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The following primary themes and subthemes were identified: (a) lack of awareness and support, (b) challenges in accessibility and affordability, (c) inconsistent quality of therapeutic services, and (d) Lack of educational inclusion and support. Conclusion: Findings of this study support the need for creating a comprehensive system of care for ASD that is coordinated, is person centered, and promotes continuity of care that improves the outcomes for those “navigating” the often-fragmented system of ASD in the UAE.
KW - ASD
KW - Autism
KW - Autism spectrum disorders
KW - Parental dissatisfaction
KW - Parental perceptions
KW - Service users
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U2 - 10.2174/0250688205666230818113555
DO - 10.2174/0250688205666230818113555
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85176271075
SN - 0250-6882
VL - 5
JO - New Emirates Medical Journal
JF - New Emirates Medical Journal
M1 - e180823220001
ER -