The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of mothers caring for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in relation to the early life, resources and to address the consequences of raising a child with ASD in Egypt. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 mothers of children with ASD in Egypt, the children were aged 5–14 years old (mean: 7.3 years). Data were thematically analysed. Results revealed that life with ASD was daunting for the Egyptian mothers. Findings suggested that provision of inadequate education, healthcare and stigma constitute the main issues for mothers. Furthermore, ASD impacted negatively on the social life, emotional wellbeing and sacrifices of mothers of children with ASD. The findings provided valuable insight into the life of mothers, revealing what life really is like for mothers caring for a child with ASD in one of the low-medium-income countries. Understanding the mothers’ experiences of caring for children with ASD is crucial in providing support and developing the services that are urgently needed in Egypt.

While the sample size was small, the findings identify the urgency in Egypt of (1) raising public awareness of the human rights of children with IDs, and (2) implementing and sustaining changes to improve access to these rights. The new government is responsible for ensuring that its apparent commitment to human rights is now translated into effective action to make tangible improvements in the lives of children with IDs and their families.

Purpose -Children and young people with co-morbid intellectual disabilities and autism are more prone to experience mental health problems compared to people with intellectual disabilities but without autism. Children and young people with intellectual disabilities and autism may experience symptoms of anxiety at a greater level than the general population; however, this is not supported with research evidence in relation to the prevalence of anxiety in people with intellectual disabilities and autism. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of anxiety disorders in children and young people with intellectual disabilities and autism.Design/methodology/approach -In total, 150 children and young people (age range of 5-18 years) from a metropolitan district in the North of England were screened for anxiety using the Reiss Scales for Children's Dual Diagnosis and the Glasgow Anxiety Scale.Findings -The results indicate that the prevalence of anxiety was 32.6 per cent for children and young people with intellectual disabilities and autism on the Glasgow Anxiety Scale. One of the important questions that arise from this study is the risk factors for the high prevalence of anxiety in children and adolescents with autism.Originality/value -The findings highlight the prevalence of anxiety in children and young people with co-morbid intellectual disabilities and autism. This has implications for assessment of anxiety disorders for children and young people with intellectual disabilities.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (IDs) are more vulnerable to experiencing anxiety disorders. Parental involvement in intervention is crucial for successful management of the interventions in the population of people with ASDs. This article describes the design and evaluation of parenting programme for anxiety disorders in children and young people with ASD and ID. In phase 1 semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore management strategies for anxiety at home and in school settings. A total of 34 participants (14 parents, 20 teachers) participated in the interviews. A Delphi process was conducted with health professionals to develop consensus on appropriate anxiety interventions. In phase 2 the intervention programme was implemented by seven parents who also participated in focus group to evaluate the developed programme. A parental programme, calm child programme (CCP), was developed, implemented and evaluated. The evaluations show significant decrease in children's anxiety as a result of implementing the programme. This study contributes further evidence to parental involvement in interventions for children and young people with ASD and IDs. The CCP is a useful and cost-effective approach in enabling parents to provide anxiety interventions in a home setting.

Accessible Summary This paper reviews the present educational needs of children and young people and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in Egypt. Children with ASD are largely unrecognised by the educational provision in Egypt. This paper highlights the need for an improved educational programme for children with ASD who also experience an associated learning disability and learning difficulties. It is crucial to develop teacher support programmes and empower teachers to enable children and young people with ASD develop their fullest potential. Abstract This paper outlines, through a transnational discourse between partners in Egypt and the UK, an overview of the literature on the definition and features of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) with associated learning needs and health conditions as applied to children and young people in Egypt. As a low‐ to middle‐income country, Egypt has a poor and underdeveloped health, education and social service to support children with ASD and very little research has investigated this phenomenon. This paper adds to the discussion through the shared knowledge and practice in the educational curriculum of children with ASD in Egypt.