Access to autism services and support needs in Morocco: Perspectives of autistic adults, caregivers, service providers, and civil society

Background

In Morocco, limited research has explored access to ASD care. This study aims to examine access to ASD diagnosis, interventions, and support in Morocco, identify barriers and unmet needs, and provide grassroots recommendations for policy and practice.

Methods

A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted between October 2024 and March 2025 in three Moroccan regions. Participants included caregivers, healthcare professionals, and civil society actors involved in ASD care. Data were collected in Moroccan Darija, transcribed, and analyzed thematically to identify key themes.

Results

A total of 37 participants were included (8 autistic adults, 11 caregivers, 6 civil society representatives, and 15 healthcare professionals). Participants reported delays in ASD diagnosis, attributed to poor awareness and centralized specialist services. Parents reported financial hardships and stigma, including rejection within families and communities, which exacerbated caregiving burdens. Public healthcare services were described as limited, with long waiting lists and inadequate training for professionals, prompting many families to seek costly private care. Civil society organizations reportedly provided essential support, but faced funding constraints and limited reach. Educational integration was deemed limited by untrained staff, insufficient resources, and high costs and non-availability of educational assistants. Services for adults with ASD were severely lacking with limited vocational and profesisonal opportunities.

Conclusions

This study revealed mutliple financial, logistical, and societal barriers limiting access to ASD care across the lifecourse. There is need for increased public commitment and funding, decentralized and inclusive services, capacity-building initiatives, and improved educational and professional integration.