Support and services targeting young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Saudi Arabia

Background

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) require appropriate and adequate services and support to maximize their skills, live independently, and participate in a community. When they receive adequate care and family support, individuals with IDD can potentially live at home instead of availing themselves of alternative care, particularly institutional care.

Objective

This national study examines the social support and services available to both young adults with IDD and their families in Saudi Arabia, perceived individual outcomes, and satisfaction with the currently available services.

Method

This study adopted a cross-sectional survey approach, collecting data from 783 families of young adults with IDD aged 16–25 years.

Results

Respondents revealed low availability of 19 types of services and support, particularly respite care and transition services. Further, outcomes associated with existing services were perceived to be low, particularly their ability to make choices and decisions. Most respondents were also dissatisfied with different service aspects. In particular, they reported low levels of satisfaction with service coordination, availability of choice, and quality. A strong positive relationship was found between service availability and individual outcomes. Additionally, the availability of self-determination training services was associated with decision-making as an outcome; friendship and relationship outcomes were correlated with participation in community activities; and service quality was moderately positively related to service choices.

Conclusions

This study reveals the inadequacy of service availability and highlights the perceptions of low levels of individual outcomes and service satisfaction. Therefore, services targeting individuals with IDD and their families require considerable improvement.