Exploring Family Quality of Life Among Saudi Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- 1Department of Special Education, College of Education, King Saud University, Building 15, Ash-Shaikh Hasan Ibn Abdullah Al Ash-Shaikh, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
Background/objectives
Family quality of life (FQOL) among families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is influenced by family life, services, and social experiences. Although research in Saudi Arabia has examined caregiver well-being and services, less is known about how families experience FQOL in everyday life. This study explored the experiences and perceptions of Saudi parents and caregivers of children with ASD.Methods
A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Saudi parents and caregivers of children with ASD. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with the FQOL framework used as a sensitizing conceptual lens.Results
Five themes were identified: (1) Diagnostic Experiences and Family Reorientation; (2) Caregiving and Family Reorganization; (3) Responsive Services and Family Quality of Life; (4) Family Adaptation Through Knowledge and Resilience; and (5) Community Understanding and Social Inclusion. Findings showed that FQOL was influenced by caregiving demands, responsive services, family adaptation, child progress, and opportunities for social participation.Conclusions
FQOL is shaped by families' changing experiences and needs over time. Supporting Saudi families requires responsive services, family-centered support, continuity across service systems, and more inclusive communities.
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BibTeX
@article{jaffal2026exploring,
title = {{Exploring Family Quality of Life Among Saudi Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.}},
author = {Mohammed Al Jaffal},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/healthcare14193233},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42881672},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Exploring Family Quality of Life Among Saudi Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AU - Mohammed Al Jaffal
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
DO - 10.3390/healthcare14193233
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42881672
AB - Background/objectives Family quality of life (FQOL) among families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is influenced by family life, services, and social experiences. Although research in Saudi Arabia has examined caregiver well-being and services, less is known about how families experience FQOL in everyday life. This study explored the experiences and perceptions of Saudi parents and caregivers of children with ASD.Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Saudi parents and caregivers of children with ASD. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with the FQOL framework used as a sensitizing conceptual lens.Results Five themes were identified: (1) Diagnostic Experiences and Family Reorientation; (2) Caregiving and Family Reorganization; (3) Responsive Services and Family Quality of Life; (4) Family Adaptation Through Knowledge and Resilience; and (5) Community Understanding and Social Inclusion. Findings showed that FQOL was influenced by caregiving demands, responsive services, family adaptation, child progress, and opportunities for social participation.Conclusions FQOL is shaped by families' changing experiences and needs over time. Supporting Saudi families requires responsive services, family-centered support, continuity across service systems, and more inclusive communities.
SN - 2227-9032
ER -