Transition into adulthood has been regarded as a priority in health. However, there is scarcity of literature on the transition of adolescents with intellectual disability. The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy for transition of adolescents with intellectual disabilities into adulthood based on the Transition Theory proposed by Meleis, Sawyer, Im, Hilfinger and Schumacher (2000). The research objectives of this study were in three phases: Phase I: Desk review  To explore the known factors about the transition process of adolescents with IDs into adulthood.  To identify gaps in literature on the transition of adolescents with intellectual disabilities’ transition into adulthood. Phase II: Mixed method  To explore and describe the experiences of caregivers and health care professionals on the transition of adolescents with IDs into adulthood.  To investigate challenges that hamper the transition process of adolescents with IDs into adulthood. Phase III: Development of strategy  To develop a strategy for transition of adolescents with IDs into adulthood informed by findings from phases I and II. A sequential exploratory mixed method approach was used. A purposive, snowballing and simple random sampling were used to select participants for this study. The study was conducted in Special schools, Non-Governmental Organisations and Care and Rehabilitation Centres based in Gauteng province of South Africa. Triangulation of data sources and data collection methods was used to sample one hundred and forty nine (149) participants aged 21-60+ years who experienced caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Interpretative analysis proposed by Terrablanche. Durrheim and Kelly (2006) was used for qualitative data limited to a sample of n=29 participants. Quantitative data was analysed by use of IBM Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS: 24) with a blend of descriptive and inferential statistics limited to a sample of n=120. Five themes from both qualitative and quantitative results emerged that is, transition possibility; the role of different stakeholders; the provision and development of working skills; caregivers’ knowledge and understanding of guidelines and alterations to adapt to change. The development of the transition strategy bridged a significant gap that informs nurses, teachers, parents, policy-makers and other stakeholders in supporting transition of adolescents with intellectual disabilities into adulthood. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

The aim of this study was to create awareness of the emotional needs of children diagnosed with ADHD. In order to reach the aim of this study, an initial literature study was executed to describe ADHD and the emotional needs of children. Semi-structured interviews and two projective techniques were used to conduct the empirical study. Valuable data was also collected from the biographical questionnaires completed by the parents. Based on the data collected and analysed, findings were made which were verified by means of a second literature study. This was followed by conclusions which served as the basis for recommendations that were made in the form of guidelines to the parents, with the aim to make the parents aware of the emotional needs of their children diagnosed with ADHD. These guidelines will be made available to the parents at a seminar that will be held on acceptance of this research. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Play Therapy)

The different reactions of parents to the discovery that their children had ADD/ADHD has an effect on the primary relationship established between mother and child. This is essential in the later involvement, experience and meaning attribution of the child with respect to all subsequent relationship formation on the child's journey towards his ultimate target, namely self-actualisation. It was felt that psychological intervention could help parents to bond, communicate with and relate to their children without experiencing negative feelings which would enhance parental acceptance. In this study, ten mothers were used to participate in an adapted group Filial Therapy programme. This unique therapy involves parents as the primary agents to resolve child-related problems and to encourage children's healthy psycho-social development. Results were positive. The mothers felt that they had formed better relationship with their children. They were empowered with knowledge and coping mechanisms, such as reflective listening, setting limits and providing choices. For the first time they were enjoying their ADD/ADHD children. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

The different reactions of parents to the discovery that their children had ADD/ADHD has an effect on the primary relationship established between mother and child. This is essential in the later involvement, experience and meaning attribution of the child with respect to all subsequent relationship formation on the child's journey towards his ultimate target, namely self-actualisation. It was felt that psychological intervention could help parents to bond, communicate with and relate to their children without experiencing negative feelings which would enhance parental acceptance. In this study, ten mothers were used to participate in an adapted group Filial Therapy programme. This unique therapy involves parents as the primary agents to resolve child-related problems and to encourage children's healthy psycho-social development. Results were positive. The mothers felt that they had formed better relationship with their children. They were empowered with knowledge and coping mechanisms, such as reflective listening, setting limits and providing choices. For the first time they were enjoying their ADD/ADHD children. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)