Adolescence is a key period for developing self‑determination, which depends on real chances to make and act on choices. Although many Western studies have examined self‑determination among people with disabilities, evidence from Saudi Arabia is limited. This reserch addresses that gap by exploring how autistic adolescents, their parents and special education teachers understand adolescents’ capacity for self‑determination and how home and school shape it. A multiple case study of four autistic adolescents was conducted, guided by Self‑Determination Theory and Causal Agency Theory. Data were collected through semi‑structured interviews with each adolescent, one parent, and the special education teacher, along with two measures of self‑determination. After describing each case, a cross‑case analysis identified shared and contrasting influences. Scores of self-determination are varied across the four adolescents, but common higher scores were observed in self-regulation, while lower psychological empowerment scores were noted. Adolescents rated their own capacity higher than did parents and teachers. Overall, threats outweighed opportunities in both settings; however, the home offered more opportunities than the school. The cross‑case synthesis points to a cycle linking adults’ beliefs and expectations, everyday actions and interactions, and adolescents’ sense of self‑determination. Higher expectations opened access to real tasks, choices, and supports; lower expectations narrowed options and kept decisions with adults. These findings suggest that self‑determination in this context reflects the combined effects of beliefs, everyday practice, and the pattern of opportunities and threats.

Authors:
Saleh Aba Alkhayl, Al Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Saleh Abdullah Aba Alkhayl is the General Supervisor of the Center for People with Disabilities and a Lecturer in Special Education at Al Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saleh-abdullah-aba-alkhayl

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

Bookmark