Cloete Lizahn G, Obaigwa Evans O
Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Afr J Disabil. 2019 Apr 25;8:435. doi: 10.4102/ajod.v8i0.435. eCollection 2019.
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.
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.
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.
One theme, namely 'the burden of caring for children with ASD', was identified. Children with ASD and their caregivers experience isolation and stigmatisation.
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.
autism spectrum disorder; children; needs of caregivers; context-appropriate services.
自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）是一个全球公共卫生问题。在肯尼亚等非洲国家，对为ASD等发育障碍建立支持服务的需求更为迫切。由于一些挑战，ASD给照顾者带来的情感、社会和经济负担尚不清楚。肯尼亚公民对残疾和包容有独特的看法。
探讨负责照顾患有ASD的家人和儿童的照顾者的观点，并突出患有ASD儿童及其照顾者的需求。
采用焦点小组讨论（FGD）进行定性、描述性现象学研究。采用逐字转录。使用QSR N 'Vivo 10来组织和分析数据。采用内容分析法来识别重要的观点和概念。
确定了一个主题，即“照顾ASD儿童的负担”。患有ASD的儿童及其照顾者经历着孤立和污名化。
肯尼亚的职业治疗师应与相关的国家和全球利益相关者合作，以促进患有ASD的儿童及其家庭的融入。针对性强且适合具体情况的职业治疗干预措施可能会开始解决服务障碍。
自闭症谱系障碍；儿童；照顾者需求；适合具体情况的服务
