Article Figures & Data
Tables
- Table 1
Characteristics of healthcare workers at various autism centers in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (n=136).
Variables n (%) Age (mean±SD) 20-54 years (29±6.7) Saudi nationality 83 (61) Specialty Special education 48 (35) Psychology 34 (25) Speech and language 23 (17) Social services 9 (7) Physical therapy 7 (5) Administration 6 (4.5) Computer technology 5 (3.5) Nursing 4 (3) Educational level Master degree 4 (3) Bachelor 118 (87) Diploma 7 (5) Lower degree 6 (4.5) Duration of training (mean±SD) (17±35) Duration of experience (58±62) - Table 2
The availability of various autism services and programs at various autism centers in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (n=136).
Available services and programs n (%) Training and educational workshops for workers 127 (93) Utilization of educational computer programs 125 (92) Tools to teach and promote self-care 125 (92) Referral access for services outside the center 111 (81) Family educational workshops 106 (78) Public educational campaigns 105 (77) Programs for home care and outreach 80 (59) Family recognition incentives and rewards 70 (51) Integrative educational programs 53 (39) Adequate sources of financial support for families 17 (12.5) - Table 3
Summary of the most common responses to the open-ended autism service questions among autism center in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (n=136).
Question and responses n (%) Best services provided by the center Physical and occupational training 24 (17.5) Speech and language therapy 16 (12) Special education 12 (9) Behavioral modification 9 (6.5) Computer training and utilization 7 (5) Other / not specified 68 (50) Most important obstacles in providing adequate service Family involvement 32 (24) Child’s behavioral problems 18 (13) Increased number of students 12 (9) Work environment and space 7 (5) Poor child’s hygiene 4 (3) Other / not specified 63 (46) Suggestions to improve the autism services Increased parental involvement 22 (16) Increased manpower 18 (13) Improving work space and environment 11 (8) Reduce number of children per classroom 7 (5) Increase number of services 4 (3) Other / not specified 74 (55)