Arab Educational Information Network

This research explores the perspectives of fathers and mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regarding autism services in Saudi Arabia. Despite commendable efforts by the government and organizations like the Saudi Autism Center, there is a need for a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by families accessing these services. Mothers, often primary caregivers, navigate unique challenges, while fathers may encounter distinct barriers. This study aims to bridge the existing gap in literature by comparing the perspectives of fathers and mothers, shedding light on their roles, self-efficacy, and priorities within the context of autism services. The participants included 265 mothers and 64 fathers aged between 30 and 39 years, reflecting an 80-20% distribution. The study explored demographic information, parental roles, self-efficacy, and perspectives on various services using a survey. Results indicated that mothers perceive a greater role in their child's life, influencing their self-efficacy. Fathers expressed a need for awareness and intervention services, emphasizing parental involvement, while mothers prioritized well-equipped autism centers, qualified specialists, and information linkage. This study provides valuable insights into the diverse needs of families affected by ASD and highlights the importance of tailoring support services to address both parental perspectives. Limitations include participant imbalance and a focus on Saudi Arabian services, suggesting the need for broader, more diverse research to enhance. (Published abstract)