MADINAH: Several women here who have completed their studies on autism have complained that there are few jobs for them even though there is an apparent shortage of such specialists in the country.

Some said that they have been waiting for jobs for up to 10 months, despite having applied to various hospitals linked to the government, according to a report in a local publication recently.
Amani Noor said she and a few fellow graduates worked as volunteers at Al-Amal hospital to gain experience. However, they were not able to get full time employment with autism centers linked to the Ministry of Social Affairs, despite recommendations from the mental hospital.
Hussein Al-Shamrani, a consultant behavioral therapist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, said the social affairs, health and education ministries are responsible for autistic children.
However, there was currently a lack of coordination between the ministries on services provided. Parents do not know what to do or where to go, and have no idea what role each ministry plays, he said.
Al-Shamrani suggested that the authorities should consult parents on which services should be provided because they are most aware of what is needed. Their participation in decision-making would improve services, he said.