The Lived Experience of Mothers Having Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in Addis Ababa
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Date
2019-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurological disorder which causes impairments in multiple areas of development including social interaction, communication, and behavior. In Ethiopia mothers of children with autism have conventional responsibility and challenge in taking care of their children with autism compared to other members of the family. The study investigates the lived experience of mothers having children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding the Mothers’ reaction after the detection of autism in their children, mothers main challenges in nurturing and caring their children with ASD, the mothers’ with ASD children support from the community and schools and the mothers feeling about the future life career of their children with autism. Qualitative research method on particular emphasis on phenomenological research design was employed to conduct the study. Semi-structured interview was used as a data collection instrument. The targeted institutions were six regular schools and one autism center. A total of fifteen mothers having children with ASD were selected purposively as key informants. The data analysis was carried out based on the thematic areas organized in interview guides as leading questions. In addition, as a part and parcel of the study two coherent case stories were prepared. The finding shows that majority of respondent mothers/guardians did believe that they have been overburdened in taking care of their children with autism. They further confirmed negative attitude of the people and non-availability of specialize service coupled with the scarcity of trained human power seriously aggravated their challenge and complicated their duty and responsibilities in taking care of their children with autism. Based on the finding of the study, the involvement of the concerned federal ministries in promoting and coordinating interventions needs to be available for mothers/ guardians and their children with autism have been recommended.
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Education