Exploring Factors That Influence Self-Determination of Autistic Adolescents in Saudi Arabia

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for the development of self-determination, yet little is known about how autistic adolescents experience self-determination in non-Western contexts. Objective: This multiple case study explored self-determination among four autistic adolescents in Saudi Arabia through the lens of causal agency theory. Method: Each adolescent completed the Arabic version of the ARC Self-Determination Scale, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with each adolescent, a parent, and a special education teacher. Interview data were analysed using combined inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results: Self-determination scores varied across adolescents, but all four rated themselves highest in self-regulation and lowest in psychological empowerment. Cross-case analysis of the interviews revealed three interrelated themes: beliefs and perceptions, actions and interactions, and adolescents’ sense of self-determination. The findings show that adults’ beliefs about adolescence, autism and the value of self-determination shaped everyday actions that either expanded or restricted opportunities for autonomy, competence and relatedness. Conclusions: The study extends current research by providing a culturally grounded, multi-layered account of self-determination among autistic adolescents in Saudi Arabia.