Challenges facing Saudi mothers in providing sex education to their children with autism spectrum disorder in Jeddah

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore the challenges faced by mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in providing sexual education to their children during late childhood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Ten mothers who have children aged between 9 and 12 years. The researcher employed Thematic Analysis to derive the study's results. The findings revealed that mothers encounter several challenges, including societal, personal, and issues related to educational resources, which hinder their ability to provide effective sexual education. Consequently, this study recommends the development of specialized training programs that consider the developmental characteristics of the child. It also suggests creating comprehensive guidelines and educational materials for mothers, as well as enhancing cooperation between families and educational institutions.
Keywords: Mothers of children with  Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sexual Education, Challenges