Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across Saudi Arabia have experienced tremendous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the challenges may be different for mothers living in a city compared to those living more remotely. We investigated challenges and practices related to COVID-19 and their impact among Saudi mothers of children with ASD in cities and remote areas during the pandemic. A sample of 99 mothers (60 in cities and 39 remote) who had a child with ASD was surveyed using an electronic questionnaire. Mothers who lived in remote areas reported more challenges, while mothers in cities reported adopting more new practices with children than remote mothers. Regression analyses revealed that place of residence and age of the child were significant predictors of the challenges experienced by mothers of children with ASD. Intervention services, community-based education programs, and electronic media are recommended for use with mothers in Saudi Arabia to increase awareness of COVID-19, improve practices, and minimize challenges in protecting their children with ASD.

中文翻译：

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沙特阿拉伯城市和偏远地区自闭症谱系障碍儿童母亲面临的挑战、做法和影响

在 COVID-19 大流行期间，沙特阿拉伯各地患有自闭症谱系障碍 (ASD) 的儿童的母亲们经历了巨大的挑战。然而，与生活在偏远地区的母亲相比，居住在城市的母亲面临的挑战可能有所不同。我们调查了与 COVID-19 相关的挑战和做法，以及疫情期间这些挑战和做法对沙特城市和偏远地区患有自闭症谱系障碍 (ASD) 儿童的母亲的影响。使用电子问卷对 99 名孩子患有自闭症谱系障碍的母亲（60 名城市和 39 名偏远地区）进行了调查。居住在偏远地区的母亲报告说面临更多挑战，而城市的母亲则报告说，与偏远地区的母亲相比，他们对孩子采取了更多新的做法。回归分析显示，居住地和孩子的年龄是自闭症谱系障碍儿童的母亲所经历的挑战的重要预测因素。建议沙特阿拉伯的母亲使用干预服务、基于社区的教育计划和电子媒体，以提高对 COVID-19 的认识，改进实践，并最大程度地减少保护患有自闭症谱系障碍 (ASD) 孩子的挑战。