Shilubane, N. H.Manganye, B. S.Mazibuko, Nomfundo2019-06-052019-06-052019-05-18Mazibuko, Nomfundo (2019) Experiences of caregivers for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province, University of Venda, South Africa.<http://hdl.handle.net/11602/1337>.http://hdl.handle.net/11602/1337MPHDepartment of Public HealthAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a life-long neurodevelopmental disorder, which does not affect the child only but the caregiver more. ASD characterized by impairments in social interactions, communication and repetitive behaviour. Therefore, caring for a child diagnosed with ASD can be a very challenging experience for caregiver especially when knowledge about the condition is limited. The aim of the study was to explore experiences of caregivers for children diagnosed with ASD in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province. The study adopted a qualitative approach, wherein data was collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews, in which an interview guide was used. Participants were selected purposively from the three different schools and data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Twelve (12) participants were interviewed for the study. The caregivers’ children were aged 5-12 years. Ethical considerations and measures to ensure trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the study. The study findings indicated that caregivers for children diagnosed with ASD experienced psychological stress, social isolation and stigma, financial burden, lack of family support, services for children with ASD were perceived not to be accessible and available. The findings also indicated that there is limited knowledge of ASD amongst caregivers, health professionals and the community at large. Therefore, more awareness campaigns need to be done on ASD to increase knowledge on the condition. Furthermore, the study recommends that support groups for caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD should be formed and that information regarding a range of inexpensive interventions and educational programs should be made available for caregivers and their children, as well as continuous dissemination of information amongst caregivers. However, limited statistical information on ASD is available on the South African context.1 online resource (x, 59 leaves)enUniversity of VendaAutism spectrum disorderCaregiversUCTDExperienceAutismChildren616.858820096827Caregivers -- South Africa -- MpumalangaChild caregivers -- South Africa -- MpumalangaAutism in children -- South Africa -- MpumalangaChild development deviations -- South Africa -- MpumalangaChildhood disintegrative disorder -- South Africa -- MpumalangaAutistic in children -- South Africa -- MpumalangaAutism -- South Africa -- MpumalangaDevelopmental disabilities -- South Africa -- MpumalangaAutism -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- MpumalangaAutism in children -- Diagnosis -- South Africa -- MpumalangaDissertationMazibuko N. Experiences of caregivers for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province. []. , 2019 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11602/1337Mazibuko, N. (2019). <i>Experiences of caregivers for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province</i>. (). . Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11602/1337Mazibuko, Nomfundo. <i>"Experiences of caregivers for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province."</i> ., , 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/11602/1337TY - Dissertation AU - Mazibuko, Nomfundo AB - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a life-long neurodevelopmental disorder, which does not affect the child only but the caregiver more. ASD characterized by impairments in social interactions, communication and repetitive behaviour. Therefore, caring for a child diagnosed with ASD can be a very challenging experience for caregiver especially when knowledge about the condition is limited. The aim of the study was to explore experiences of caregivers for children diagnosed with ASD in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province. The study adopted a qualitative approach, wherein data was collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews, in which an interview guide was used. Participants were selected purposively from the three different schools and data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Twelve (12) participants were interviewed for the study. The caregivers’ children were aged 5-12 years. Ethical considerations and measures to ensure trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the study. The study findings indicated that caregivers for children diagnosed with ASD experienced psychological stress, social isolation and stigma, financial burden, lack of family support, services for children with ASD were perceived not to be accessible and available. The findings also indicated that there is limited knowledge of ASD amongst caregivers, health professionals and the community at large. Therefore, more awareness campaigns need to be done on ASD to increase knowledge on the condition. Furthermore, the study recommends that support groups for caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD should be formed and that information regarding a range of inexpensive interventions and educational programs should be made available for caregivers and their children, as well as continuous dissemination of information amongst caregivers. However, limited statistical information on ASD is available on the South African context. DA - 2019-05-18 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - Autism spectrum disorder KW - Caregivers KW - Experience KW - Autism KW - Children LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2019 T1 - Experiences of caregivers for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province TI - Experiences of caregivers for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11602/1337 ER -