Open AccessPerspectives of key stakeholders on educational experiences of children with autism spectrum disorders at the Kenyan Coast
Author(s) -
Amina Abubakar,
Joseph Gona,
Patricia Kipkemoi,
Kenneth Rimba,
Dennis Amukambwa,
Charles R. Newton
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
african journal of disability
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.301
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 2226-7220
pISSN - 2223-9170
DOI - 10.4102/ajod.v11i0.847
Subject(s) - kenya , thematic analysis , focus group , context (archaeology) , autism , qualitative research , psychology , medical education , pedagogy , developmental psychology , medicine , sociology , political science , geography , social science , anthropology , archaeology , law
Background: Little is known about the educational experiences of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the Kenyan Coastal context.Objectives: We examined the diagnostic and placement procedures used in education on the Kenyan coastal region. In addition, we investigated the education-related challenges faced by children with ASD.Methods: We conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 21 participants, including teachers, clinicians and educational administrators. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic framework on qualitative data analysis software, NVIVO 10.Results: The findings from this study indicate that there were no systematic approaches to diagnosing children as having ASD. Teachers reported experiencing many challenges, including a lack of specialised training, inadequate resources and difficulty in managing children with different functional abilities in one class.Conclusion: There is an urgent need for contextually relevant evidence-based identification, placement and management services to be put in place to meet the educational needs of children with ASD.