Housing and Hospitality Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aims to examine the reality of housing and hospitality services for people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, and to identify the positive and negative aspects of these services from the perspective of their families and caregivers. The study implemented a mixed-methods approach and an explanatory sequential design. The questionnaire and the semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The results showed that housing and hospitality experience is closely linked to the provision of materials, practice, and the sharing of experiences. The results also indicate positive changes in the care provided to people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, including weekly reports and nutritional programmes. However, some negative changes in progress levels, intervention types, and dissatisfaction among people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders also emerged. Based on these findings, this study proposes several recommendations, the most important of which are the need to provide the necessary tools and resources for each category of disability, and to conduct intensive training courses for special needs caregivers to increase their effectiveness.