Educational Barriers to Enrolment of Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Special Schools in Thika Town, Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish e i i
with Autism spectrum %isorders (ASDs) i:uzsgg?lsfigfif ll: ?}:?lgamf:t of lc;rnclrs
Kiambu County of Kenya. The study used quantitative approach adopting aw c‘I]cssccriotoivsc’
survey design to collect data from 36 respondents selected through simple ranrilom
sa{nplmg from 6 special schools realized by purposive sampling. Data was collected
using two sets of questionnaires for teachers and head teachers as the research
instruments through a drop-and-pick-later technique to allow for the respondents to
answer the queries in the research tools. Data was analysed quantitatively using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences and descriptive statistics employed on various
constructs. The analysed data was presented in form of charts, tables and graphs for
clarity. The study made the following findings: most children and teachers faced certain
barriers when learning and teaching respectively; most used tools in identifying children
with ASDs was observation; as most teachers had diploma as the highest qualification;
lastly, the study found that teaching resources though, inadequate were effective in
helping learners with ASDs in their work. The study concluded that new strategies for
overcoming barriers to education should be put in place, teachers to register for further
traifting to keep abreast with emerging trends and deal cffectively with ASDs learners. As
such, the study recommended that the government to institute policy frameworks for
effective teacher training to equip them with skills and techniques of dealing with ASDs
learners. Lastly, the study recommended that teachers should work as partners with
learners to maximize their potentials.
Description
Research Thesis Submitted for the, Degree of Master of
Education (Special Needs Education) In the School of
Education of Kenyatta University
July, 2017