Experiences of parents with children diagnosed with Autism: A case of Zimbabwe Autism Centre, Harare. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Gapara, Hazel F.

Title

Experiences of parents with children diagnosed with Autism: A case of Zimbabwe Autism Centre, Harare.

Abstract

The study conducted by the Zimbabwe Autism Centre examined the personal experience of parents whose children had received an autism diagnosis. The study's primary goal was to investigate the coping strategies and social and economic obstacles encountered by parents of autistic children. A qualitative research design was used in the study. It was qualitative in nature and used focus groups, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews in addition to other methods to gather data. To gather pertinent data for the study, a response rate of 24 participants was selected from the target respondents. The Ecological Systems theory was applied in the study. According to the study, parents of autistic children do indeed experience financial and social challenges in providing for their offspring at the Zimbabwe Autism Center. The study also discovered that social difficulties experienced by parents of autistic children include stigma, marital disputes, and psychological stress. The research findings indicate that parents of autistic children encounter financial difficulties related to restricted access to employment hubs, costs associated with special education, and medical bills. The study also discovered that coping mechanisms used by parents of autistic children include professional assistance, support groups, spirituality and religion, and assistance from friends and family. The study also puts some recommendations such as the passing of legislative policies by the government that include and offer provisions that cater for the basic needs for children diagnosed with autism in all sectors, community sensitization on autism through broadcasting, campaigns and programs in communities, participation of community members in programs that offer knowledge on autism through community workshops and the offering of free counseling to parents who have children diagnosed with autism.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Autism

Autism Centre

Supervisor

Mr. Njovu