RESEARCH ARTICLE Neurodiversity in Saudi Arabia: Towards quality education and reduced inequalities [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review] Ahmed Yahya Almakrob 1 , Ahmed Alduais 2 , Alex S. M. Mhone 3 , Borey Be 4 1 Department of English, College of Sciences and Humanities, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia 2 Ibb University, Ibb, Ibb Governorate, Yemen 3 Department of Education, The Catholic University of Malawi, Limbe, Southern Region, Malawi 4 College of Education, The University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia First published: 17 Sep 2024, 13:1062 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.155002.1 Latest published: 17 Sep 2024, 13:1062 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.155002.1 v1 Abstract Traditional educational frameworks in Saudi Arabia have historically adopted a deficit-based approach to special education, potentially overlooking the benefits of neurodiversity. As global educational paradigms shift toward inclusive practices, examining the alignment of Saudi special education laws with neurodiversity principles becomes crucial. This content analysis study aimed to explore the existing literature on special education in Saudi Arabia to ascertain whether the laws and policies support or hinder the practice of neurodiversity, a concept that is gaining international recognition but remains nascent in Saudi Arabia. A systematic literature search was performed in Web of Science and Scopus, yielding 21 relevant studies after screening and application of inclusion criteria. A content analysis was conducted, focusing on the categorization of data relevant to special education laws and their implications for neurodiversity. The analysis identified seven key categories, including Implementation of Inclusive education and transition services, that reflect the current state of special education laws in relation to neurodiversity. A conceptual model was developed, illustrating the potential of special education laws to both support and impede neurodiversity in Saudi Arabia and potentially worldwide. Keywords Neurodiversity, Special Education Laws, Saudi Arabia, Inclusive Education, Sustainable Development Goals, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities Open Peer Review Approval Status AWAITING PEER REVIEW Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article. Page 1 of 13 F1000Research 2024, 13:1062 Last updated: 18 SEP 2024