Autism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Current Situation and Future Perspectives for Services and Research

Abstract

Purpose: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services and research have evolved over the past decades to mitigate the negative effects of this lifelong condition on those who live with it and the society. The purpose of this article is to shed light on the current state of ASD services and research in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and discuss future directions to enhance services and research in relation to accessibility and optimizing the journey of care for individuals with ASD. Conclusions: Background information is provided about the KSA and its role in the region as a major country to lead the advancement of ASD services, regulations, awareness, and research. ASD in KSA is gaining more attention and recognition at all levels, which will ultimately lead to larger opportunities to provide a high-quality service at the levels of diagnosis and intervention.