Department of Counseling, Psychology, and Special Needs Education.
Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2018;88(3):316-327. doi: 10.1037/ort0000249. Epub 2017 Aug 17.
This study explores the common characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and the available diagnostic and intervention currently practiced for children with ASDs in Ethiopia based on parents' experience. Data gathered from 100 parents in Ethiopia detail the difficulties families face when they suspect their child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The data indicate Ethiopian parents pursued a diagnosis of ASD after noting common ASD behaviors such as hand flapping and unusual attachments to objects. Poor social interactions were the least likely to symptoms to prompt an ASD evaluation. The large majority of parents indicated they were unaware of the services provided to their children and indicated poor parent-agency coordination. Parents noted very limited formal support systems to help cope with the stigma of having a child with ASD. Implication for future research and intervention are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record
本研究基于家长的经验，探讨了埃塞俄比亚自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）儿童的共同特征，以及目前针对 ASD 儿童的诊断和干预方法。从埃塞俄比亚的 100 位家长那里收集的数据详细说明了当他们怀疑孩子患有自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）时，家庭所面临的困难。这些数据表明，埃塞俄比亚父母在注意到手舞足蹈和对物体的异常依恋等常见 ASD 行为后，会寻求 ASD 的诊断。社交互动不佳是最不可能促使进行 ASD 评估的症状。绝大多数父母表示，他们不知道为孩子提供了哪些服务，并表示家长与机构之间的协调不力。父母注意到，帮助应对自闭症儿童污名化的正式支持系统非常有限。讨论了对未来研究和干预的影响。
