An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Families Affected by Autism in Dubai

Background: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the Middle East region is suggested to be comparable with rates reported in the Western World; however, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), autism is under-diagnosed and over-looked. Objectives: This qualitative study based in Dubai, UAE, aimed to explore personal experiences of autism and investigate the decision-making process of parents. A focus group interview with 6 UAE national mothers who have an autistic child was conducted; the semi-structured interview was audio-recorded and transcribed. Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was performed on the interview transcript and 3 main themes emerged: Education, Support and Social Stigma. Results: The research concluded that the majority of mothers are primary caregivers and the challenges faced by autistic families include: a lack of understanding and research; family reputation; stigma-associated discrimination; and maternal stress. Conclusions: Mothers with autistic children experience a number of stressors and would benefit from educational workshops, including ASD-specific training. A call for further investigation into the role and impact of maids as primary caregivers for autistic children in the UAE is advocated.