A comparison of the experiences, challenges and coping strategies for parents of children with autism residing in the United States and The Arab World.

This study compared parents of autistic children in Arab countries with those in the US. Parents in both regions found that learning about autism and acceptance/faith were their best coping strategies. However, Arab parents were less satisfied with the diagnosis process and faced more challenges with community support. The research suggests Arab families need better community support and less stigma around autism.

This cross-cultural study compared experiences of 165 parents from 15 Arab countries with 235 parents from 32 US states raising children with autism. Using bilingual surveys distributed through social media support groups, researchers examined diagnostic experiences, challenges, and coping strategies. US parents reported higher satisfaction with the diagnostic process (median 3.0/5) compared to Arab parents (2.5/5). Both groups identified information-seeking/self-education and acceptance/religion as their most valuable coping strategies.

Arab parents faced significantly greater challenges with community support and experienced lower satisfaction across all aspects of the diagnostic process. The findings highlight cultural differences in autism experiences and the need for culturally-sensitive support systems, particularly addressing stigma in Arab communities.

Findings suggest need for culturally-adapted autism services, particularly in Arab countries. Community-based interventions addressing stigma are essential. Parent education and faith-based support should be integrated into service delivery. Cross-cultural research highlights importance of considering cultural context in autism support services.

Cross-sectional survey design limits causal inferences. Social media recruitment may introduce selection bias. Sample sizes and demographic characteristics not fully detailed. Cultural heterogeneity within both US and Arab populations not addressed. Self-reported measures may be subject to recall bias.

Most research on autism has targeted White Americans. Although challenges and coping mechanisms are present for all parents, some aspects are influenced by culture. This study aims to compare the experiences, challenges and coping strategies for parents of children with autism residing in the US and Arab countries. A survey, available in both English and Arabic, was posted electronically on social media support groups for parents of children with autism in Arab countries and the US.

The survey covered experiences, challenges and coping strategies for raising a child with autism spectrum disorder. 165 surveys were collected from 15 Arab countries and 235 surveys were collected from 32 US states. On a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being highest satisfaction, US parents reported a higher satisfaction for the overall diagnostic process with median score of 3.0 compared to 2.5 for parents in Arab countries. Parents in both countries reported information seeking/self-education about autism and acceptance and/or religion as the 2 most valuable coping strategies. Lower satisfaction with all aspects of the diagnosis process was found among parents in Arab countries compared to those residing in the US.

Lack of community support for Arab parents was also a more significant challenge compared to US parents. With such poor community support for Arab parents, it is pivotal to expand upon initiatives that minimize the stigma and shame associated with an autism diagnosis to ultimately reduce challenges and allow for better parental experiences.