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A qualitative study to understand the experiences and coping processes of primary caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Fewster, Deborah Leigh. 30 June 2014 (has links)
Aim: The aim of the study is to gain deeper understanding into the lived experiences of
parents at a stimulation centre in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the coping
strategies they employ in caring for their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Significance: As literature has focused on international studies this study has provided
deeper understanding of the lived experiences and coping strategies of parents of
children with ASD in a local setting within South Africa. Experiences across the age
spectrum of children, gendered differences in coping and the meaning behind having a
child with ASD provides a unique outlook on ASD as opposed to literature that focuses
on other areas.
Methods: Eleven parents participated in semi-structured interviews. These interviews
were triad, dyad or one-on-one interviews. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed
verbatim once completed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and extract
themes.
Findings: The lived experiences of parents included stressful and devastating
experiences as well as positive meaning. Daily challenges were navigated by positive
and negative coping strategies with gendered differences in coping being evident.
Parents expressed mixed feelings about the benefits of support groups and provided a
road map of advice for other parents of children with ASD.
Conclusion: Parents of children with ASD undergo enormous stress and emotional
upheaval in caring for their children. However in addition to negative experiences, they
gain some positive meaning and see it as character building. Their experiences provide
useful information for other parents undergoing the same journey. / Thesis (M.O.T.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.
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Exploring occupational therapy intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder in South Africa.Moosa, Aneesa Ismail. 31 October 2014 (has links)
Occupational Therapy is amongst the top three interventions sought for young
children with ASD in South Africa. Due to scarce local research on OT for ASD, this
study explored the nature as well as perceptions of OTs on intervention for ASD.
Using a qualitative exploratory study design, semi-structured interviews were
conducted with twenty OTs in public and private health, as well as special needs
education. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcribed data. OTs
descriptions and perceptions of assessment, direct and indirect intervention as well
as challenges facing families and undergraduate and qualified OTs in South Africa
were explored. Assessment for ASD utilised play based skilled observations with
limited use of standardised tests. Developmental approaches were preferred to
behavioural ones, with the majority of OTs referencing the Sensory Integration (SI)
framework for assessment and therapy, even if they were not SI certified
practitioners. The value of SI in reframing a child’s behaviour for parents was
significant. The South African Model of Creative Ability was a unique local
application to practice for ASD. Intervention in education was most ASD specific,
including AAC and visual approaches due to a comprehensive programme and
greater levels of team collaboration. A family focussed practice was most evident in
private and public health. Direct individual therapy was predominant, with all sectors
struggling to provide the intensity of therapy recommended for ASD, due to unique
contextual challenges. Undergraduate training is insufficient preparation for working
with ASD and a need for local OT specialists was identified. Implications for
research and practice are discussed. / M.O.T. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.
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