DIFI presents at the 81st Annual Meeting of MSS in USA

Under the theme of “Sociology & the Public Health” at the Midwest Sociological Society (MSS) 81st Annual Meeting held in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA , the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), presented a paper on a its current study entitled “Family Wellbeing and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Qatar”. The paper was presented by Dr. Abdulla Badahdah Director of Family Research Division and Dr. Azza Abdulmeneim, Senior Lead researcher in DIFI during the 112nd session titled “Identity, Health, Disability, and Well-being” led by Dr. Abdallah Badahdah on the 24th Mar 2018.

The DIFI study conducted in-depth interviews with families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to examine its effect on family wellbeing. Participants were asked several open-ended questions concerning a number of issues related to access to services, relationship with one’s spouse, sibling-relationship, and social stigma. The study will also include multiple themes including social isolation, physical and emotional problems, financial burden, marital strain, and parent–sibling relationships. Interviewed families identified several important services that would assist them to cope and provide optimal care for family members with ASD, such as support groups, respite care, and counseling services.

Policy recommendations for enhancing positive outcomes for families of individuals with ASD along with suggestions for future research will be discussed.

DIFI is a global policy and advocacy Institute working to advance knowledge on Arab families, through research, and promote evidence-based polices at the national, regional, and international levels. The Institute has special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council.

For the research link click here