Stigma among Family Members of Children with Autism in Saudi Arabia: Perceptions and Experiences

This upcoming research journey aims to delve into the lives challenges, aspirations and needs of families, in Medina who have children with autism. Through this exploration, the researcher hope to bring attention to overlooked areas and pave the way for understanding, empathy and inclusive practices and policies, this research aims to explore and elucidate self-stigma and external stigma experienced by families of children with autism in Medina, To understand the socio-cultural underpinnings that might contribute to or mitigate these stigmas, To recommend evidence-based strategies or interventions that can empower and support families of children with autism in Medina, The research prominently showcased that many families undergo profound emotional distress. This study concluded the following: Feelings of guilt, sadness, or self-blame were prevalent among the participants, often stemming from a belief that they might have done something to cause the autism. This aligns with the broader notion of self-stigma, where families internalize the negative societal perceptions related to autism. The dominant narrative that emerged from the participants’ interviews was that of societal misunderstandings and resultant stigmas. Many participants experienced instances of discrimination and social exclusion due to prevalent misconceptions about autism. Their daily lives were dotted with episodes where they felt the weight of societal judgment, ranging from awkward social interactions to more overt acts of discrimination.