Autism spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia: Clinical dynamics from a multi-center study.

This study looked at 104 children with autism in Saudi Arabia to understand how different factors affect their symptoms and development. Boys were more likely to be hyperactive than girls. Older children had more speech delays, aggression, attention problems, sleep issues, and anxiety, but their self-care skills like using the bathroom and dressing improved with age. About half received speech therapy, while fewer got other therapies.

The research shows that early diagnosis and better access to different therapies could help children and families.

This multi-center cross-sectional study examined clinical presentations of ASD in 104 Saudi Arabian children, analyzing relationships between demographic factors, therapy participation, and symptoms. Key findings revealed male children showed higher rates of hyperactivity compared to females. Age significantly influenced multiple symptoms including delayed speech, aggression, attention deficits, sleep problems, and anxiety. Self-care abilities improved with age across bathroom independence and dressing skills.

Therapy utilization varied considerably: 49% received speech therapy, 44.2% behavioral therapy, 34.6% occupational therapy (typically under one year), and only 5.8% physiotherapy. The study emphasizes how demographic and environmental factors shape ASD presentation in Saudi Arabia, highlighting needs for early diagnosis, individualized interventions, improved therapy access, and enhanced parental support to address persistent challenges including hyperactivity, learning difficulties, and self-care limitations.

Findings support need for gender-sensitive assessment approaches and age-appropriate interventions. Results highlight therapy access gaps requiring healthcare system improvements. Early identification and individualized treatment planning should consider demographic factors. Enhanced parental support programs may address identified challenges in hyperactivity management and self-care skill development.

Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences about developmental changes. Sample size of 104 children may limit generalizability. Study focused on Saudi Arabia, so findings may not apply to other cultural contexts. No comparison with neurotypical controls provided.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in communication, social interaction, and behavior. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the clinical presentation of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia, focusing on demographic, medical, and environmental determinants. A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia, enrolling 104 children diagnosed with ASD. Data were collected via structured parent interviews and analyzed to examine the relationships between demographic characteristics, therapy participation, self-care abilities, and clinical symptoms.

Male children were more likely to exhibit hyperactivity compared to females (=0.037). Age was significantly associated with delayed speech (=0.003), aggression (=0.034), attention deficits (=0.006), sleeping problems (=0.001), and anxiety (=0.007). Self-care abilities - such as bathroom independence and dressing - improved significantly with age (<0.05). Therapy participation varied with 49% receiving speech therapy, 44.2% engaged in behavioral therapy and 5.8% currently undergoing physiotherapy.

Approximately, 34.6% had received occupational therapy for less than one year. The clinical presentation of ASD in Saudi Arabia is influenced by demographic and environmental factors, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and individualized interventions. The findings underscore the importance of improving therapy access and parental support to address persistent challenges, such as hyperactivity, learning difficulties, and limited self-care skills.