Browsing by Author "De Villiers, Ayesha"

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    Dual diagnosis of autism and hearing loss: Caregivers’s experience of diagnosis and intervention
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-12) De Villiers, Ayesha; Collair, Lynette; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Educational Psychology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Caregivers are central role players throughout the life span of a child with special needs and they form part of a family within the broader network of their community and social spheres. Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological system theory provides a theoretical framework which depicts the interactive nature of this process which starts before receiving a conclusive diagnosis. This study explores the lived experiences of caregivers of three children with a dual diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and hearing loss as they navigate the maze of intervention and support after diagnosis within the South African context. The study is qualitative in nature and utilised a case study research design to explore the experiences of caregivers. The participants were selected by means of purposive sampling and data were collected through semi-structured interviews as well as a document study of learner files. Data was analysed through the process of thematic analysis and presented through a discussion of the findings. Research findings confirmed the complexity of the experiences and needs, not only of children with this dual diagnosis, but also of their caregivers who were considered as the project managers of their childrens’ intervention programmes. Caregiver experiences were largely influenced by their own level of participation or withdrawal, their knowledge base as well as access to services and information throughout the process of intervention. Proximal processes between caregivers and the school community served as support for the establishment of an effective multi-disciplinary team approach to offer support which will continue throughout the life span of the child with a dual diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and hearing loss. The researcher derived from the research findings recommendations for professionals who provide services to caregivers of children with this dual diagnosis.