A Thesis Submitted to the Department of psychiatry, School of medicine, College of health Sciences, Addis Ababa University on Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
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Date
2025-02-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder
characterized by difficulties with socio-communicative functioning and restricted and
repetitive behaviors. There is limited data available regarding the prevalence of ASD in low
and middle-income countries (LMICs), one of the reasons for the limitation being the
scarcity of translated, validated, and culturally adapted screening and diagnostic tools. The
Global Open Access Screening and Diagnostic Tool for Autism (OSSDx) is an autism
screening and diagnostic tool that is currently under development. It is a tool being
developed for a target population of children aged 2-9 years, living in Africa.
Objective: The study aimed to culturally adapt the OSSDx into the Amharic language
and pilot it in selected private hospitals and facilities.
Methods: The original OSSDx was translated and culturally adapted into the Amharic
language through expert consultation. The adapted OSSDx tool was then piloted on 6
experts and 17 caregivers/parents of children with ASD diagnosis and suspected
developmental disorders at the selected private hospitals and facilities using mixed mixed
methods design. The quantitative data were collected using a yes/no checklist, which was
completed by both the parents/caregivers and experts. Cognitive interviews were also
conducted with all the participants to gather more information regarding the clarity, cultural
relevance, and acceptability of the adapted tool.
Result: The findings from this pilot study show that the adapted OSSDx demonstrates an
acceptable face and content validity. Although some items were noted as difficult to
understand, the quantitative feedback from parents/caregivers showed a high level of
agreement on the tool’s relevance and clarity. While evaluations from experts also
highlighted a need for improvements, they have observed adequate construct coverage.
Cognitive interviews further endorsed these findings. Overall, the adapted version of the
OSSDx was considered applicable with a few revisions suggested before a large-scale
implementation.
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Implication: The adapted Amharic OSSDx can assist in screening at-risk children earlier
and help in establishing a clearer referral pathway for diagnosis
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A Thesis Submitted to the Department of psychiatry, School of medicine, College of health Sciences