Lived experiences of caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Kenya

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cloete_lived_2019.pdf(573.78 KB)
Date
2019
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Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a global public health concern. In African countries such as Kenya, there is a greater need for establishing support services for developmental disorders such as ASD. The emotional, social and economic burden of ASD on caregivers is unknown because of a number of challenges. Citizens of Kenya have a unique view of disability and inclusion. Objectives: To explore the perspectives of caregivers who are responsible for caring for both family and children living with ASD and to highlight the needs of children with ASD as well as the needs of their caregivers. Method: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study utilising focus group discussions (FGDs) was conducted. Verbatim transcription was used. QSR N ’Vivo 10 was used to organise and analyse the data. Content analysis was used to identify important ideas and concepts. Results: One theme, namely ‘the burden of caring for children with ASD’, was identified. Children with ASD and their caregivers experience isolation and stigmatisation. Conclusion: Occupational therapists in Kenya should collaborate with the relevant national and global stakeholders for the promotion of the inclusion of children with ASD and their families. Responsive and context-appropriate occupational therapy interventions may begin to address service barriers.
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CITATION: Cloete, L. G. & Obaigwa, E. O. 2019. Lived experiences of caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Kenya. African Journal of Disability, 8:a435, doi:10.4102/ajod.v8i0.435.
The original publication is available at https://ajod.org
Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder -- Kenya, Children with autism spectrum disorders -- Services for -- Kenya, Developmentally disabled children -- Kenya, Caregivers -- Attitudes -- Kenya
Citation
Cloete, L. G. & Obaigwa, E. O. 2019. Lived experiences of caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Kenya. African Journal of Disability, 8:a435, doi:10.4102/ajod.v8i0.435
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/123464
Collections
Masters Degrees (Occupational Therapy)