Linguistic and Educational Therapies given to Autistic Children at City Primary School

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the therapies applied to autistic children in Kenya. Thus, it looked at various linguistic and educational interventions offered to autistic children. It also sought to find out the effectiveness of these therapies. The motor theory was used to handle the language production aspect while indications of impairment in the children's ability to communicate were explained using the theory of mind blindness. The study took place at the City primary school, with a lot of coordination with Autism Society of Kenya. Interviews were used to get information from the teachers about the children's progress and the kind of educational and linguistic therapies they apply on autistic children. Observations of the behavior of the children and communication patterns were made Data was analysed qualitatively where observation notes were compiled and interviews were interpreted and presented in written form. Photographs were interpreted in order to describe the setting under which therapy sessions took place. The study came up with the following findings: The teachers combined linguistic and educational therapies. Linguistic therapies used include: Augmentative and alternative communication, Realia and picturial system, Writing, Facilitated communication, Music therapy and social scripts and Occupational therapy. Educational therapies used include: Visual approaches, Functional communication teaching, Miller teaching and Social skills education. A key recommendation of the study is that the ministry of Education should come up with a reliable curriculum that would allow autistic children to attain high levels of education.