Do close relative marriages contribute to the Causes of Autism among ethnic groups in Jordan, psychological effect on society? Umm Al Quttain village and Abdali area a case study

Abstract

This field survey aims at investigating and if possible prove that close relative marriages are considered to be one of autism causing factors  among ethnic groups in Jordan. To achieve this purpose author conducted a Field survey in two areas in Jordan, where the ethnic group of Duruz live: Umm Al Quttain in northern Jordan and Al Abdali area in Amman, the capital city. Ten families were chosen from these areas to be experimental group, and other ten families from mainstream population in Amman were chosen to be a control group. A brief questionnaire was developed to be use simultaneously with the experimental group and control group.

Results revealed that Duruz ethnic group practice widely relative marriages and there many autistic children within the duruz families member in the study. The study puts forward several recommendations, most importantly is to stay away from marrying relatives, and initiate awareness programs to show the negative consequences of relative marriages.

Keywords: Autistic children, the ethnic group of  Duruz, Umm Quttain area, Abdali