Developed through a partnership between WISH and clinical researchers from the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, this report examines the experiences of transition-age youth with autism in Qatar and their families to inform the development of an adult respite care and support center.

Drawing on focus group discussions with families and service providers, the study highlights the importance of integrating professional expertise with family perspectives to design culturally relevant respite care programs that enhance quality of life for adolescents and young adults with autism, and their families.

Four key recommendations focus on building parental trust in service providers, employers, and government support systems; prioritizing quality of life as a foundation for meaningful living; strengthening family inclusion and engagement to identify appropriate employment pathways; and improving service delivery systems to ensure timely access to the right support for those who need it.