Parent perceptions of the quality and availability of early intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
This study analyzed parents’ perceptions of the quality and availability of early intervention services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia, while also studying the ways in which these perceptions differ based on the parents’ and children’s characteristics. Using subscales for perceptions (promptness, responsiveness, curriculum, training, and engagement) and needs (need for information, training, support, financial assistance, and quality services), the study utilized a survey to gather responses from 401 participants receiving services from eight institutions located in three Saudi Arabian cities. Overall, the parents had high agreement on the promptness, responsiveness, curriculum, and engagement subscales, but lower agreement on the family training subscale. Parents reported a high level of need for parental training/involvement and information, but a lower level of need for support, financial assistance, and quality services. Parents’ perceptions and needs were significantly affected by parents’ gender, age level, relationship to a child, educational level, and monthly income, as well as the children’s age at diagnosis and center of intervention.