Caregivers' perspectives on the healthcare experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder and associated family impacts in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

This study looked at families with autistic children in the UAE to understand their healthcare challenges. Over half of families had trouble accessing healthcare, and most struggled with support services. Many families faced money problems and emotional stress. Families with younger children, non-UAE nationality, or less education had more difficulties. Mothers especially reported feeling anxious about their child's future and were unhappy with how doctors communicated with them.

This cross-sectional study examined healthcare experiences and family impacts among 38 caregivers of children with ASD in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The study used semi-structured interviews to explore access barriers and family challenges. Results showed 52.7% of caregivers faced healthcare access barriers, 68.5% had difficulties with family support services, and 63.2% experienced financial hardship. Unmet healthcare needs were associated with younger child age, non-Emirati nationality, and lower caregiver education.

Financial difficulties linked to younger age, lower education, and single-mother households. Qualitative findings revealed emotional distress, social stigma, and strained family dynamics, with mothers reporting anxiety about their child's future and dissatisfaction with healthcare communication.

Findings highlight need for culturally sensitive healthcare improvements, enhanced family support services, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. Healthcare providers should improve communication practices and consider financial barriers when developing treatment plans.

Small sample size (38 participants) from single region limits generalizability. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Study type not clearly specified. No comparison group included. Potential selection bias from recruiting only from autism centers.

The global rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has highlighted the burden on healthcare systems and the significant impact on affected families. This study explored caregivers' perspectives on the healthcare experiences of children with ASD and the related challenges faced by families in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of 38 children with confirmed ASD attending two autism centers. Children included had a formal diagnosis of ASD documented in their medical records.

Data were collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire developed through a comprehensive literature review. The tool was reviewed for content validity by three experts and was pre-tested with caregivers of children with special needs to assess clarity and feasibility. Informed consent and confidentiality were maintained. Barriers to healthcare access were reported by 52.7 % of caregivers, and 68.5 % experienced difficulties with family support services.

Financial hardship affected 63.2 % of families, while 36.8 % reported psychological distress. Unmet healthcare needs were associated with younger child age (OR = 1.32), non-Emirati nationality (OR = 2.91), and lower caregiver education (OR = 1.74). Financial difficulties were linked to younger age (OR = 1.68), lower education (OR = 2.60), and single-mother households (OR = 1.22). Qualitative analysis revealed emotional distress, social stigma, and strained family dynamics, particularly among mothers.

Recurring concerns included anxiety about the child's future, reluctance to have more children, and dissatisfaction with healthcare communication. Caregivers of children with ASD face significant barriers to care and family well-being, highlighting the need for targeted, empathetic, and culturally sensitive interventions.