The reality of autism spectrum disorder and developmental disorders services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
translation: Survival of Ramadan
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can be diagnosed in early childhood. Diagnosing a child with autism spectrum disorder requires the presence of impairment in two main areas: The field of communication and social interaction, The emergence of repetitive behavioral patterns.
Reasons for being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
From the first moment a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, many questions may come to parents’ minds about the reasons that led to their child being diagnosed with this disorder.
However, until this moment, the fixed causes of this disorder have not been identified, but there is some research that has determined the effect of some factors that may contribute to the birth of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
According to what Camelia reported in a study conducted in 2022 AD. Including hereditary factors, genetic, The effect of some medications taken by the pregnant mother, such as valproic acid, The age of the pregnant mother if it is older than 40 years, Diseases that may accompany pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, or viral or bacterial infection, Or the mother is exposed during pregnancy to toxic chemicals.
Studies on autism spectrum disorder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
There are many studies focusing on autism spectrum disorder in many Western countries. However, we find that the number of studies decreases when we highlight its presence in Middle Eastern countries, specifically in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We find that most of the services provided to this category are services based on studies and conclusions conducted in Western countries. In addition, there is a large gap between the needs of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Among the services provided to them in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
With the progress made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in various fields, We see that the field of special needs has had a share of it. According to what researcher Meteo reported in one of his most recent studies, local research began to appear in 2008 AD.
Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and its prevalence
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder is difficult due to the lack of direct tests such as blood tests and examination of specific biomarkers in the body to confirm the accuracy of the diagnosis.
The autism spectrum diagnosis is based on observing the child’s behavior, It is worth noting that the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) have been changed. Asperger syndrome, autism disorder, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified are classified under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder.
As for its spread, Lost Meteo stated that until now, the exact prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not been determined.
In 2002, 42,500 people were diagnosed. There is also another recent study that stated that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in the Arabian Gulf, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ranges from 1.4 to 29 people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder out of every 10,000 people.
The prevalence rate in Western countries is much higher than the apparent rate in Arab countries. It ranges between 39-77 cases per 10,000 people.
The reason for this discrepancy in rates may be due to the limited ability to diagnose autism spectrum disorder in Arab countries. There are methodological flaws in the Arabized measurement methods. Also, the presence of accompanying symptoms identified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5, which may prevent the identification of autism spectrum disorder as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and mental disabilities, Epilepsy and cerebral palsy, social anxiety, depression, Finally, the low level of awareness of parents about autism spectrum disorder, which leads to a failure to recognize the symptoms and obtain an appropriate diagnosis.
Services that an individual receives after being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Diagnosing an individual with autism spectrum disorder entails the necessity of providing services to reach the best levels that enable him to adapt and live life independently.
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, these services are mostly provided in large cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. It is less available in other cities.
A recent study conducted in 2022 stated that only 31% of children with autism spectrum disorder can access autism centers and receive services, While 72% did not have the opportunity to reach these positions. With the presence of these centers, another, more important question arises in our minds: What do people think about the quality of these services? Are they satisfied with the results obtained or not? A specialized study was conducted on parents’ opinion, in which it was stated that most parents evaluated the services provided at a low to moderate level. Therefore, these services did not achieve the desired results. All of these challenges place a great burden on families, which may negatively reflect on their social and family lives.
Is there a proven treatment for autism spectrum disorder?
Camellia states in her study that there is no medical treatment capable of treating autism spectrum disorder.
But there is thoughtful care provided to the child after diagnosis, It is based on developing his social skills, which enables him to practice his childhood and acquire behavioral skills that enable him to adapt and coexist with his peers.
The care provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to individuals with autism spectrum disorder
With the developments achieved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Many departments have contributed to raising the quality of care provided to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. And increasing the number of centers that provide initial diagnosis services at an early age.
These services are provided by healthcare professionals affiliated with the Ministry of Health (MOH), such as pediatricians, psychiatrists, child psychologists, Specialists in child behavioral and neurodevelopment, And pediatric neurologists. Those who have obtained official licenses to practice from public licensing bodies participate in providing these services. Such as the Saudi Health Council (SHC), And the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), And the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI).
This development has led to a significant growth in the level of services provided to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. But there are still calls to develop these services and expand their spread.
Regarding the rehabilitation services that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has begun to provide, Meteo mentioned that there are three parties cooperating to provide the service: Which: Ministry of education, Ministry of Human Resources, And the Ministry of Health.
It is provided as part of free government services to the public sector. Among the services covered by health insurance for the private sector.
The Ministry of Human Resources supervises intervention services provided by private centers for children under the age of six who are not enrolled in school. Or children with IQs below 50IQ.
While the Ministry of Education supervises the service of children over the age of six years with autism spectrum disorders who are amenable to integration and education. As for the role of the Ministry of Health, It provides the medical services that children may need and dispenses the necessary medications to them as required by the child’s health condition.
The services provided by the centers may vary depending on the number of hours allocated to serve each individual. The ages that these centers receive, And the efficiency of the staff at the center as well. Although these services are available free of charge, Metio mentioned in his study that about 80% of families of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder obtain services from centers whose service fees are paid from their own funds. Therefore, we find that there is a strong need for a comprehensive review of services in accordance with the needs of individuals. This is precisely what the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, which was established in 2018, is based on. To fill gaps and provide more care.
Finally, in 2022, Camellia conducted a study aimed at exploring the cognitive level of the population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding autism spectrum disorder.
Its results showed that knowledge of this disorder was weak among families. I also mentioned in the recommendation of that study some items that the Saudi government must consider to develop the available services: Meeting the needs of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Among those items:
1- Allocate more government centers and resources that facilitate the provision of necessary services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, And increase its coverage among various cities in the Kingdom.
2- Providing government funding to employ highly qualified individuals who provide services to individuals with developmental disorders.
3- Work to update health insurance policies to cover all services that people diagnosed with developmental disorders and chronic disabilities may need.
4- Employing special education educators in kindergarten schools to provide the necessary services for children with developmental disorders in early childhood classes.
5- Harnessing public facilities to suit the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Reference:
Saudi Expert Consensus-Based Autism Spectrum Disorder Statement: From Screening to Management, (2022). Matteo Alessio Chiappedi
Knowledge and Attitudes toward Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia (2022), Carmela Bravaccio IJERPH | Free Full-Text | Knowledge and Attitudes toward Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia (mdpi.com)