ERIC Number: EJ1323874
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jan
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: N/A
Meeting the Needs of Autistic Adults in Qatar: Stakeholder Perspectives on Gaps in Services and Priorities for Future Programming
Habayeb, Serene; Al-Harahsheh, Sanaa; Ratto, Allison; Verbalis, Alyssa; Pugliese, Cara; Nadwodny, Nicole; Al-Meer, Feras; El-Akoum, Maha
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v26 n1 p88-100 Jan 2022
Autism services in Qatar are expanding rapidly, but focus predominantly on young children. The shortage of qualified autism providers and minimal opportunities for autistic youth to participate in school, work, and community have led to a growing population of autistic youth transitioning to adulthood with substantial unmet needs for behavioral support and instruction in critical life skills. Our objective was to identify the needs and preferences for respite care for autistic adolescents and young adults in Qatar utilizing family and stakeholder input. Researchers from the United States collaborated with researchers and community leaders from Qatar to evaluate perspectives regarding respite care with families of autistic people (n = 11) and providers/community stakeholders (n = 20) through surveys and focus groups. Four main themes emerged including (1) a need for trust and reliability of individuals and of systems to support autistic adults, (2) prioritizing quality of life for autistic individuals and their families, (3) seeking meaningful inclusion, and (4) challenges stemming from service delivery systems. Families in Qatar endorsed clear interest in respite care services for young adults with autism, regardless of their child's age. This study highlights the value of including both provider expertise and family concerns in developing new services for an under-served community.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Respite Care, Adolescents, Young Adults, Trust (Psychology), Reliability, Quality of Life, Inclusion, Delivery Systems, Barriers, Family Needs, Family Attitudes, Stakeholders, Attitudes, Government Role, Employment, Cultural Influences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Qatar
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A