Access to autism services and support needs in Morocco: Perspectives of autistic adults, caregivers, service providers, and civil society

IF 1.7 2区社会学 Q1 FAMILY STUDIES

Children and Youth Services Review Pub Date : 2025-08-20 DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108547

Oumnia Bouaddi , Afaf Affane , Chaimaa Al malki , Yassine Souidi , Mohamed Khalis

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Abstract

Background

In Morocco, limited research has explored access to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) services care. This study aims to examine access to ASD diagnosis, interventions, and support in Morocco, identify barriers and unmet needs, and provide grassroots recommendations for policy and practice.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted between October 2024 and March 2025 in three Moroccan regions. Participants included autistic adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and civil society actors involved in ASD care. Data were collected in Moroccan Darija, transcribed, and analyzed using flexible rapid thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 40 participants were included (8 autistic adults, 11 caregivers, 6 civil society representatives, and 15 healthcare professionals). Participants reported delays in ASD diagnosis, attributed to poor awareness and centralized specialist services. Parents reported financial hardships and stigma, including rejection within families and communities, which exacerbated caregiving burdens. Public healthcare services were described as limited and centralized, with long waiting lists and inadequate training for professionals, prompting many families to seek costly private care. Civil society organizations reportedly provided essential support, but faced funding constraints and limited reach. Educational integration was deemed limited by untrained staff, insufficient resources, and high costs and non-availability of educational assistants. Services for adults with ASD were severely lacking with limited vocational and professional opportunities.

Conclusions

This study revealed mutliple financial, logistical, and societal barriers limiting access to ASD care across the lifecourse. There is need for increased public commitment and funding, decentralized and inclusive services, capacity-building initiatives, and improved educational and professional integration.

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摩洛哥获得自闭症服务和支持需求：自闭症成年人、照料者、服务提供者和民间社会的观点

在摩洛哥，有限的研究探讨了获得自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）服务的机会。本研究旨在调查摩洛哥获得ASD诊断、干预和支持的情况，确定障碍和未满足的需求，并为政策和实践提供基层建议。方法于2024年10月至2025年3月在摩洛哥三个地区进行了半结构化访谈的探索性定性研究。参与者包括自闭症成年人、护理人员、医疗保健专业人员和参与自闭症治疗的民间社会行动者。在摩洛哥达利加收集数据，进行转录，并使用灵活的快速专题分析进行分析。结果共纳入40名参与者，其中自闭症成人8名，护理人员11名，民间社会代表6名，医护人员15名。参与者报告说，由于缺乏意识和集中的专家服务，ASD诊断出现延误。据描述，公共保健服务有限且集中，等候名单很长，对专业人员的培训不足，促使许多家庭寻求昂贵的私人护理。据报告，民间社会组织提供了必要的支持，但面临资金限制和影响范围有限。由于工作人员未经训练、资源不足、费用高且没有教育助理，教育一体化被认为是有限的。对自闭症成人的服务严重缺乏，职业和专业机会有限。本研究揭示了多种经济、后勤和社会障碍限制了自闭症谱系障碍患者在整个生命过程中获得治疗。需要增加公共承诺和资金、分散和包容性服务、能力建设倡议以及改善教育和专业融合。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Children and Youth Services Review Multiple-

CiteScore

6.30

自引率

6.10%

发文量

303

期刊介绍： Children and Youth Services Review is an interdisciplinary forum for critical scholarship regarding service programs for children and youth. The journal will publish full-length articles, current research and policy notes, and book reviews.