Caregivers’ Roles in Enhancing Socio-Communication Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Selected Non-Governmental Organization for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2024
Authors
Mukewa, Magdalen N.
Wairungu, George Mathenge
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
EJSE
Abstract
Caregivers (parents and guardians) of children with ASD play an integral role in early
intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) since they spend more
time interacting and providing formal care for their children; they are supposed to
provide early diagnosis and ongoing intervention to mitigate socio-communication
challenges for their children. Some caregivers, however, lack knowledge and expertise
on their roles in this resulting in miscommunication, unmet needs, and frustration. The
purpose of this study was to establish caregivers’ extent of involvement in Speech and
Language Pathology Services (SLP) in enhancing the socio-communication skills of
children with ASD. The study was guided by Structural Functional Theory (SFT) by
Comte. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a mixed-method research
approach. It targeted a population of 38 respondents comprising of thirty-six caregivers,
one occupational therapist from a nongovernmental organization of parents with ASD,
and one Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) outside a nongovernmental
organization. The study employed a purposive sampling technique, and the pilot study
was undertaken among caregivers of children with ASD b with the same characteristics
as the target population. The key research instruments were questionnaires and face-toface interviews. Quantitative data from closed-ended items were examined and coded.
This was followed by analysis with the aid of SPSS version 26. The data was reported usinge descriptive statistics. Qualitative data we read repeatedly to establish patterns and
then themes. It was reported narratively. Conclusions were drawn and necessary
recommendations were made based on research findings. The research found that
caregivers’ involvement was critical in enhancing the acquisition of socio-communication
skills. The study recommends government and non-governmental organizations of
parents with ASD children promote more caregiver participation by creating more
awareness of SLP services, recruiting more SLPs locally, offering comprehensive training,
and coaching caregivers on SLP strategies.
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Citation
Mukewa, M. N., & Wairungu, G. M. (2024). CAREGIVERS’ROLES IN ENHANCING SOCIO-COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN A SELECTED NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA. European Journal of Special Education Research, 10(1).