Children with autism spectrum disorders in the Arab Gulf countries – the Others?

Abstract

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impaired social interactions, impaired verbal and nonverbal communication and stereotyped, repetitive behaviors. In the last decade there has been an increased media attention to autism both globally and across GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council countries), which in turn has increased the knowledge and awareness of the condition in the Arabian Gulf region among both parents and professionals. Traditional beliefs, however, leave important influences on health behaviors, which leads to implications on health communication area. Religion, spirituality and culture play a large role, especially when considering the diagnosis of mental health disorders. This paper addresses the issue of immaterial boundaries constructed by culturally bound child-upbringing practices with special attention to how these practices and beliefs create attitudes towards disabilities such as autism.