International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XII, December 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Manyani Nyemwerai Gillian
Intern Counselling Psychologist, Ministry of Health, Harare, Zimbabwe
Abstract: The central focus of this qualitative study was to explore the community influences on the management of children with autism in Harare. An examination of the community perceptions that influence the emotional management and behaviour of caregivers of children with autism was also done. The qualitative approach founded on the constructivist research philosophy was used. In addition, a phenomenological research design and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. A sample of 12 community members selected using purposive and snowballing sampling techniques, participated in this study. The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis and was grouped into related themes including views on ASD, community perceptions on children with ASD, community influences on the emotional management of children with ASD, community influences that affect the behavior of caregivers and coping mechanisms of caregivers of children with ASD. Results of this study revealed the community influences as largely having a negative influence on the management of children with autism. Stigma and discrimination leading to social exclusion of children with autism and their families were noted to emanate from community perceptions that affect the management of children with autism. The results suggested that community influences negatively impact on the drive by government to promote inclusivity in all spheres of life. The study recommended the efficacy of different therapies for autism such as music and art therapy on children with autism for future research.
Key Words: autism spectrum disorders, children, community, perceptions
I. INTRODUCTION
Background: Globally, the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing in terms of prevalence in the recent years (Ennis-Cole, Durodoye, and Harris, 2013). Practically, autism has been described as an intricate neurological disorder that inhibits or prevents effective verbal communication, effective social interaction, and appropriate behaviour (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). According to Ennis-Cole, et al., (2013) autism is a spectrum of disorders that contains five diagnostic labels: Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett’s Disorder or Rett’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Delay—Not Otherwise Specified, and Autistic Disorder or Classic Autism. Paul Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, first used the term autism to describe the self-absorbed nature of adults with schizophrenia (Autism Epicenter, 2011).