Characteristics of Arabic Websites with information on autism

Discussion

The current study examined Arabic websites with information on ASD. Overall, websites primarily featured personal content and information with little to no references to peer reviewed resources or warning statements that such information should not replace the opinion of a qualified professional. These findings are somewhat consistent with existing research from Western countries indicating that ASD information on English websites was difficult to access and lacked empirical support and that websites with a.gov top-level domain were associated with higher quality information.6 In addition, some of the websites promoted the use of non-medical and biomedical interventions simultaneously, which is in line with evidence supporting their effectiveness when used concurrently.10 However, other websites recommended the use of only one ASD intervention that had little to no support, including cultural and religious treatments (e.g., visiting a religious healer, goat milk, honey) or only medical and related interventions (e.g.., chelation therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy). This could potentially lead to the acquisition of erroneous information and, even worse, the implementation of therapies that are not evidence-based or that might even be harmful. Our finding suggests that consumers should not use Arabic websites as a reliable source to obtain information on ASD.

Findings from the present study underscore the importance of creating websites for users searching the internet for Arabic information on ASD. Such websites may describe the wide-ranging features of individuals with ASD, the processes of obtaining an ASD diagnosis and accessing local services, treatments with empirical support, and the legal rights of individuals with ASD and their families. Then parents would have information to potentially advocate for their children’s rights and access available services as well as refrain from utilizing controversial and unsupported treatments, resulting in savings in time, energy, and money.

The results of this study should be interpreted in the context of the following limitations. First, the sample might not be representative of all websites containing Arabic information on ASD. Using different search strategies (e.g., multiple terms in additional search engines) might have yielded more robust results. In addition, the reported search date is September 2013, nearing 3 years ago. One may argue, given the speed with which new websites can be created and the changes within the ASD community (especially changes to diagnostic criteria in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), search results are likely to have changed since the search was first conducted. However, a brief and recent search of Arabic websites containing information on ASD yielded findings consistent with those of this study. The search included websites of major governmental agencies (e.g., the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education). These agencies are responsible for the healthcare and welfare of individuals with ASD in the Arab World countries. Despite these limitations, results from this study offer important insights into Arabic websites containing information on ASD.

In conclusion, internet users should not rely on Arabic websites to obtain information on ASD. Given that the internet is a major source to learn about ASD, creating websites that contain best practices information on ASD is an important step to make trusted information available for parents, potentially supporting them in accessing available services and advocating for their children’s rights.