# Adolescents and Transition-Age Youths with Intellectual Disabilities in Saudi Arabia: An Exploration of Parental Perspectives

## TL;DR

This study explores the challenges faced by adolescents with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia and the support systems available to them.

## Contribution

The study contributes to limited research on intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia and highlights culturally specific insights for policy development.

## Key findings

- Family, caregivers, and healthcare providers significantly impact the quality of life for youths with intellectual disabilities.
- Transition challenges between pediatric and adult services are a major obstacle for youths aged 18-19.
- Systemic changes are needed to promote social inclusion and reduce stigma during adolescence.

## Abstract

The current study explores the social experiences of adolescent and transition-age youths with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and the support mechanisms available to these groups in Saudi Arabia. This study adopts a qualitative methodology with a semi-structured interview constituting the data collection method involving 13 parents with children aged between 11 and 19 years, a critical adolescent period and transition to early adulthood. The results suggest that family, caregivers, community, friendships, and healthcare providers play important roles that impact the quality of life for these groups. The main challenges identified include health-related issues, employment challenges, educational barriers, insufficient services, inadequate community participation, and limited social relationships, with special emphasis on obstacles linked to transition during the 18 to 19-year period when youths must navigate transfers from pediatric to adult services and changes associated with legal rights. This study highlights several reasons it is important to increase awareness and education, while also continuing to improve support systems aimed at dealing with both transition challenges and adolescent needs. The results further illustrate that although support from family provides the foundation for care, systemic changes are needed to promote social inclusion and reduce stigma during critical development periods. The current study contributes to the limited research related to IDs in the context of the Middle East, with special reference to Saudi Arabia. Finally, the discussion highlights several insights that are culturally specific for the development of policy and provision of services associated with the transition from adolescence to early adulthood.