Perspectives of Families and Teachers on Sex Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia

Sex education for students with autism spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia remains limited and underdeveloped, raising concerns related to safety, body awareness, and healthy personal development during the school years. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with four teachers and three family members and was analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants discussed school-aged autistic children educated in mainstream inclusive settings alongside peers with diverse learning profiles. All students referenced were verbally communicative, and some were reported to have co-occurring developmental or behavioral conditions. The findings revealed key challenges, including heightened vulnerability to harassment, limited understanding of bodily boundaries, and difficulties related to personal hygiene and privacy. Participants also identified substantial gaps in existing curricula, inconsistent teacher preparation, and limited access to guidance for families, resulting in fragmented approaches to sex education. The findings highlight the urgent need for culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate sex education curricula, targeted professional development for teachers and families, and strengthened collaboration between home and school. Such efforts are essential to promote safety, well-being, and protection for autistic students within the Saudi educational context.