Inclusive Strategies and Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

Abstract

Children face different potential problems during their development that may concern their parents. The parents usually want to emphasize whether their child is growing normally. An early childhood assessment can help indicate the child's strengths and weaknesses, which helps to answer parents in indicating their child's development. This early assessment is significant in determining the child's need for support and early intervention at an early age. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shows a high record prevalence in GCC countries ranging from 1.4 to 29 per 10,000 persons, representing a significant health concern. This chapter aims to provide an overview of autism states in the GCC Arab region, focusing on ASD cases, the barriers to early diagnosis, and the screening instruments.