Academic literature on the topic 'Autism spectrum disorders – South Africa'
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Journal articles on the topic "Autism spectrum disorders – South Africa"
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Chambers, Nola J., Amy M. Wetherby, Sheri T. Stronach, Nonyameko Njongwe, Shuaib Kauchali, and Richard R. Grinker. "Early detection of autism spectrum disorder in young isiZulu-speaking children in South Africa." Autism 21, no. 5 (June 22, 2016): 518–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361316651196.
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Culturally appropriate tools are needed for detecting symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in young South African children. The objectives of this study were to (1) adapt and translate into isiZulu existing measures for detecting early signs of autism spectrum disorder, (2) use the measures to characterize and compare behavioural profiles of young isiZulu-speaking children with and without autism spectrum disorder and (3) compare symptom profiles across sampling procedures. Measures were translated and adapted into isiZulu and used to evaluate 26 isiZulu-speaking children, 15 children with no reported developmental concerns and 11 referred for suspected autism spectrum disorder. A video-recorded observation of children and caregivers in their home environment was also made. Based on best-estimate diagnoses, 10 children were classified as autism spectrum disorder and 16 as non-autism spectrum disorder. The children with autism spectrum disorder presented with significantly more autism spectrum disorder red flags than the non-autism spectrum disorder group according to parent report and systematic ratings of red flags. Significant correlations between parent report and observational measures of red flags were observed. More red flags were observed during structured evaluations than home observations in the autism spectrum disorder group. Findings provide a foundation for tool translation and adaptation in South Africa and identifying social communication markers to detect autism spectrum disorder in young isiZulu-speaking children.
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Viljoen, Marisa, Soheil Mahdi, David Griessel, Sven Bölte, and Petrus J. de Vries. "Parent/caregiver perspectives of functioning in autism spectrum disorders: A comparative study in Sweden and South Africa." Autism 23, no. 8 (May 2, 2019): 2112–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361319829868.
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Functional outcomes in autism spectrum disorder can be highly variable given the heterogeneous nature of autism spectrum disorder and its interaction with environmental factors. We set out to compare parent/caregiver perceptions of functioning in two divergent countries that participated in the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Autism Spectrum Disorder development study. We focused on the frequency and content of items reported, and hypothesized that environmental factors would most frequently be reported as barriers to functioning in low-resource settings. Using frequency and qualitative content analysis, we compared data from South Africa ( n = 22) and Sweden ( n = 13). Frequency agreement was seen in three activities and participation categories, and one environmental factor. Obvious frequency differences were observed in one environmental factors category, six body functions categories and three activities and participation categories. Only three ICF categories (immediate family, attention functions, products and technology for personal use) differed in content. Contrary to our hypotheses, few differences in perspectives about environmental factors emerged. The universality of our findings supports the global usefulness of the recently developed ICF Core Sets for Autism Spectrum Disorder. We recommend that more comparative studies on autism spectrum disorder and functioning should be conducted, and that similar comparisons in other disorders where Core Sets have been developed may be valuable.
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Viviers, Mari, Marguerite Jongh, Lindsay Dickonson, Roxanne Malan, and Tamaryn Pike. "Parent-reported feeding and swallowing difficulties of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (aged 3 to 5 years) compared to typically developing peers: a South African study." African Health Sciences 20, no. 1 (April 20, 2020): 524–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v20i1.59.
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Background: Research on aspects of neurodevelopment such as feeding and swallowing difficulties in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is limited in low and middle income countries such as South Africa.
Method: A descriptive comparative group design was used to investigate feeding and swallowing difficulties of young children with ASD in comparison to typically developing peers. The Brief Autism Mealtime Behavioural Inventory (BAMBI) was used.
Results: Findings indicated a significant difference in the severity of feeding and swallowing difficulties between the two groups. Difficulties such as food selectivity, sensory processing difficulties, oral-motor difficulties and symptoms of dysphagia were iden- tified. The findings added to the existing global literature on feeding and swallowing difficulties in young children with ASD but provide a unique first perspective on these difficulties in South African children with ASD.
Conclusion: Findings also highlighted the use of the BAMBI as an adjunct clinical tool to encourage comprehensive parental report during feeding assessment in this population. Cultural adaptation of the BAMBI for future use in African countries should be considered. A better local understanding of the parental perspective on the multidimensional nature of the feeding and swallowing difficulties displayed by young children with ASD was obtained.
Keywords: Parent-reported feeding; swallowing difficulties; Autism Spectrum Disorders; South Africa.
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Abubakar, Amina, Derrick Ssewanyana, and Charles R. Newton. "A Systematic Review of Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa." Behavioural Neurology 2016 (2016): 1–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/3501910.
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The burden of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is not well known. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to identify published work from SSA. We have systematically searched four databases, namely, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Child Development & Adolescent Studies, through EBSCO and identified studies from across SSA. Based on predefined inclusion criteria, 47 studies were included in this review. Most of the identified studies (74%) were conducted in only 2 African countries, that is, South Africa and Nigeria. Additionally, most of these studies (83%) were carried out in the last decade. These studies had four major themes: development of measurement tools of ASD in Africa, examining the prevalence of ASD, identifying risk factors and risk markers, and examining psychosocial issues. We identified only a single population level study aimed at documenting the prevalence of ASD and could not identify a single case-control study aimed at examining a comprehensive set of potential risk factors. All intervention studies were based on very small sample sizes. Put together, our findings suggest that current evidence base is too scanty to provide the required information to plan adequately for effective intervention strategies for children with ASD in Africa.
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Odintsova, M. A. "Mental disorders against the background of different strategies of government regulation to counter the spread of COVID-19." Современная зарубежная психология 10, no. 2 (2021): 27–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2021100203.
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The article includes a literary review of scientific works devoted to the study of specific features of the motivational and personal sphere of mothers with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), published in a number of countries in Africa and the Middle East. The author describes the difficulties faced by mothers in the process of education and treatment of their autistic children in these regions of the world; provides statistics on the extension of autism among the child population in South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The article presents studies assessing the degree of influence of religious and cultural aspects on the parents’ perception of their "special" children in Israel and Somalia.
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Heslop, Jenna, and Munyane Mophosho. "Communication strategies used by specialised preschool teachers for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in South Africa." Allied Health Scholar 2, no. 1 (February 26, 2021): 20–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.21913/tahs.v2i1.1561.
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Aim and Background: The study aimed at expanding our understanding of the communication strategies used by teachers of pre-schoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Johannesburg, South Africa. By describing the use of current practices, our study aimed to provide recommendations for the development of support in the classroom, including Allied Health services. Methods: Through homogeneous purpose sampling, five qualified teachers were recruited from public and private pre-schools in Johannesburg. The data were gathered through semi-structured qualitative interviews, combined with observations from the classroom. A qualitative descriptive design, with the combination of both data sets and thematic analysis were used. Results: One overarching theme emerged from the data: Diversity. With three sub-themes: range of communication strategies, communication difficulties, and feelings and perceptions related to interacting with children with ASD. Diversity was prominently displayed in the children’s communication and needs, in the successful use of multi-modal communication strategies used by teachers and in the teachers’ feelings and perceptions related to the children. Teachers’ skills and comfort level in communicating with children with diverse needs, is foundational to successful communication and learning. Allied Health support for teachers in classrooms and workforce strategies for teachers will assist in supporting teachers of young children in classrooms.
Key Words: autism spectrum disorder, communication strategies, teachers, pre-schoolers
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Hampton, Lauren H., Michal Harty, Elizabeth A. Fuller, and Ann P. Kaiser. "Enhanced milieu teaching for children with autism spectrum disorder in South Africa." International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology 21, no. 6 (February 6, 2019): 635–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2018.1559357.
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Dawson-Squibb, John-Joe, and Petrus J. de Vries. "A comparative feasibility study of two parent education and training programmes for autism spectrum disorder in a low-resource South African setting." Autism 24, no. 8 (July 28, 2020): 2269–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361320942988.
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Despite the clear need for post-diagnostic parent/carer education and training in autism spectrum disorder, the evidence base is small, particularly in low-resource settings. Furthermore, few studies have examined the feasibility of intervention implementation. Here, we performed a comparative feasibility study of two Parent Education and Training programmes in a low-resource South African setting. EarlyBird/EarlyBird Plus, a UK-developed programme was compared to Autism Cares, a locally developed programme. The aims were to (1) examine acceptability, adaptation and perform limited efficacy testing and (2) use a multi-stakeholder panel and new autism spectrum disorder Parent Education and Training evaluation framework checklist to compare the programmes. A mixed-method, quasi-experimental design collected pre, post and 3-month follow-up data. Measures included standardised and custom-designed quantitative and qualitative data. In total, 18 parents participated in the EarlyBird/EarlyBird Plus programmes and 11 in Autism Cares. Strong parental acceptability for both programmes was found and adaptation suggestions were provided. Limited efficacy testing showed positive changes for parental stress, knowledge of autism spectrum disorder and child changes. The multi-stakeholder panel rated EarlyBird/EarlyBird Plus superior for next-step research based on implementation feasibility. Our findings contribute to the limited evidence base for autism spectrum disorder Parent Education and Training in low-resource environments and underline the need for evidence base of programmes to include not only intervention outcomes but also procedural and implementation outcomes. Lay Abstract After a diagnosis of autism, it is an important first step to give families information about autism and skills to help them support their child. These interventions are called Parent Education and Training programmes. Little is known about these programmes or if they can make a difference to families, particularly in countries with few autism resources. In this study, we compared two Parent Education and Training programmes in South Africa. EarlyBird/EarlyBird Plus was developed in the United Kingdom, and Autism Cares in South Africa. We wanted to know if parents found the programmes useful, and if any changes were required. We collected information from parents through questionnaires and interviews before and after the group. We also asked a panel of experts (including parents) to compare the programmes. In total, 18 parents attended the EarlyBird/EarlyBird Plus group and 11 attended the Autism Cares group. Parents found both programmes helpful and made suggestions for improvements. Parents showed less stress, more knowledge of autism, and saw improvements in their children. The expert panel rated EarlyBird/EarlyBird Plus as better because it was more supportive of parents and was seen as easier to run in the country. Our study showed that Parent Education and Training programmes are important, but that researchers must study not only the outcomes but also the implementation needs of these programmes.
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Kukanov, A. A. "Influence of cultural and religious aspects on the perception of autism in children by parents in Africa and the Middle East." Современная зарубежная психология 10, no. 2 (2021): 20–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2021100202.
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The article includes a literary review of scientific works devoted to the study of specific features of the motivational and personal sphere of mothers with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), published in a number of countries in Africa and the Middle East. The author describes the difficulties faced by mothers in the process of education and treatment of their autistic children in these regions of the world; provides statistics on the extension of autism among the child population in South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The article presents studies assessing the degree of influence of religious and cultural aspects on the parents’ perception of their "special" children in Israel and Somalia.
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Smith, Lesia, Susan Malcolm-Smith, and Petrus J. de Vries. "Translation and cultural appropriateness of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 in Afrikaans." Autism 21, no. 5 (May 25, 2016): 552–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361316648469.
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Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 is the ‘gold standard’ autism spectrum disorder observational assessment, and it is increasingly used in South Africa. However, its use is limited to English speakers, as it has not been translated into the country’s other 10 official languages. Moreover, the cultural appropriateness of this tool has not been explored in South Africa. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 was translated into Afrikaans and assessed for cultural appropriateness to the ‘coloured’ population from low-middle socioeconomic status backgrounds in the Western Cape Province. Using a mixed-methods approach, three components associated with method bias in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 were investigated: language used, social interactions and activities, and materials. An ethnographic investigation of play, social interaction and social activities was conducted in a community sample ( n = 40), and the Afrikaans Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 was pre-piloted in a clinical sample ( n = 7). Results highlighted unique aspects of the language (‘Kaaps’) that need to be considered during Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 administration. The social interaction demands of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 appeared appropriate, and sufficient familiarity with Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 materials and activities was found to support the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2. Guidelines for administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 to this population were generated to improve cultural sensitivity and cultural appropriateness and to reduce method bias.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic "Autism spectrum disorders – South Africa"
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Hulley, Michaella. "The serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) shows differential regulation between children with ASD and typically developing children in a South African population." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/22972.
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Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication, and repetitive and compulsive behaviours. The heterogeneous nature of ASD is underpinned by complex genetic networks; hence there is no known single genetic cause of ASD. It is therefore imperative to identify both genetic and epigenetic loci associated with ASD or specifically ASD endophenotypes. This may aid in earlier interventions for ASD if molecular biomarkers were identified. The serotonergic system has a longstanding association with ASD, and the differential expression of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is linked to particular ASD traits. This study focuses on a length polymorphic repeat region (5-HTTLPR) upstream of the SLC6A4 promoter, and SLC6A4 promoter DNA methylation. The short variant of 5-HTTLPR is directly linked to lowered SLC6A4 expression and is at higher frequencies in ASD populations. DNA methylation at the promoter of SLC6A4 is also known to affect SLC6A4 expression. This study hypothesis is that there is differential regulation of SLC6A4, through changes in 5-HTTLPR and DNA methylation, between an ASD and control cohort. This differential regulation was also predicted to differ between ASD endophenotypes based on severity levels categorised by ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2). ASD children (n=50) were compared to an agematched control group (n=13), all of whom were characterised phenotypically by an ADOS-2 assessment. The 5-HTTLPR and SLC6A4 promoter DNA methylation were analysed using restriction fragment length polymorphic analysis and the EpiTYPER assay, respectively. Significant differences were found in SLC6A4 regulation between the ASD and control group. A significant increase in frequency of individuals homozygous for the 5-HTTLPR long variant in the control group was observed when compared to the ASD cohort (p=0.049); with the long allele conferring reduced risk of ASD. Overall DNA methylation at the SLC6A4 promoter region was significantly decreased in the ASD cohort (p=0.011), the moderate ASD endophenotype (p=0.004), language impaired endophenotype (p=0.003), as well as the more severe socially and repetitive and restricted behaviour groups (p=0.006 and 0.045, respectively), when compared to the control cohort. Reduced levels of DNA methylation at CpG 30 in the target region were found to be significantly associated with higher levels of repetitive behaviour (p=0.001). The data from this study implicates the involvement of the serotonin transporter in overall ASD aetiology, specifically within the language impaired and repetitive and restricted behaviour endophenotypes. The data highlight the importance of maintaining appropriate methylation levels in order to modulate SLC6A4 expression. The regulatory mechanisms that control DNA methylation at the SLC6A4 promoter are unknown and need to be identified to completely understand how dysfunction of the serotonergic system is involved in ASD.
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Pelser, Kerry-Beth. "Using a cell phone application to support caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/76759.
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This mini-dissertation aims to explore the daily realities faced by caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder and the implications thereof on the use of a cell phone application that can assist in easing the tension between the need for support and the lack of resources to secure that support whenever necessary. Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory, in addition to the assets-based approach, forms the basis on which the study is conceptualised. Using a qualitative approach, a case study research design was used to select the participant by means of purposive sampling. The research participant used the application that was selected for a period of ten days, after which a semi-structured interview was conducted as the primary mode of data collection. The data were then analysed, using inductive thematic analysis, after which themes and subthemes were derived. The findings of the study indicated that the research participant faces a meaningful lack of financial support and social support, and that the cell phone application was seen as a useful tool for supporting her child in spite of this. The study contributed to expanding the current research body on this topic. A major limitation was the sample size of the study being too small for the results to be generalised. Recommendations include that cell phone applications be designed with users’ cultural and language preferences in mind and that more studies of this nature be done.Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2019.
Educational Psychology
MEd
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White, Jenna-Lee Kim. "The value and perceptions of music therapy for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in a South African school." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/25460.
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The aims of this study were to explore parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of what music therapy entails and what value it has for children with autism. In so doing, limitations in providing information about music therapy were identified. The context for this study involved Unica School for Autism in Menlo Park, Pretoria. Unica is a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) that provides specialised education for learners with autism between the ages of 3 and 18 years. Music therapy has been offered at Unica by both qualified music therapists and supervised music therapy students since 1995. This study was conducted within the qualitative research paradigm and, as such, sought to understand perceptions of, rather than ‘prove’, the value music therapy has for children with autism. Data collection took the form of 6 semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and data were coded, categorised and organised into themes. These themes then formed the basis for addressing the research questions. The findings of this study show, firstly, that direct contact with the music therapist, music therapy public presentations, and witnessing musical end products such as performances are the primary influences on parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of music therapy. Parents and teachers have some understanding of the objectives of music therapy. The findings show, secondly, that the parents and teachers have limited understanding of how music therapy works. This includes a lack of knowledge about clinical musical intention, intervention and the music therapy process. Finally, the findings show that parents and teachers at Unica hold music therapy in exceptionally high esteem. They are able to identify its value for children with autism in a number of areas, particularly in terms of social development and development of self, which relate directly and peripherally to the diagnosis of autism. The participants also recognise the lack of awareness about music therapy outside of the Unica environment, and express a wish for all children with autism to receive music therapy. CopyrightDissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2011.
Music
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Skinner, Kerry. "The quality of life of three men with autism spectrum disorders living in a group home: a case study." Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/2192.
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Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.This thesis focused on three adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are living in a group home in Cape Town. The purpose of this exploratory study was to explore and describe the three occupants' perceived quality of life and their experiences of living in the group home. The group home was established in 2005 as a pioneering project by Autism Western Cape, a regional non-profit organisation (NGO). It is designed for adults with high-functioning ASD who require low care. In this interpretative study, a multiple case study method of enquiry was used. The Personal Wellbeing Index – Intellectual Disability (PWI-ID), as developed by Cummins and Lau (2005), was used as the primary subjective outcome measure of quality of life. In addition, the study made use of participant observations undertaken during two semi-structured interviews with each participant and two focus group interviews. All three participants felt that they had enjoyed a higher level of quality of life, especially in the domain of 'personal relationships', since their arrival at the group home. However, they expressed a desire for more independence; a higher income; female companionship and better security at the home. These suggestions have been made available to the relevant sponsors of the housing project.
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Makombe, Chipo Belindah Theodorah. "Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing a Caregiver-Coaching Early ASD Intervention in South Africa." Master's thesis, Faculty of Humanities, 2019. https://hdl.handle.net/11427/31806.
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Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has a scarcity of research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and available early interventions, as most of what is known about the disorder is from highincome countries. Early detection and intervention methods were found to have positive effects on developmental delays and to alleviate symptom severity in children with ASD or at risk of it. There is a need for scalable interventions in low-resource settings, which are characterised by a lack of highly-trained specialists, infrastructure and funding. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to implementing and sustaining a caregiver-coaching ASD early intervention, informed by the principles of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), adapted for South Africa and for delivery by non-specialists. The study also identified some changes that could be made to improve intervention adoption and sustainability. Nine multilevel stakeholders involved in the implementation of the caregiver-coaching intervention were purposively sampled, individual in-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Major implementation facilitators included: ECD worker baseline ASD knowledge and experience; skills gained from the training received and coaching; clear in-session caregiver-coaching structure; value of strong team relationships; clear video illustration of intervention concepts; and the mastery and generalisation of skills by the ECD workers, ECD supervisors and caregivers. Implementation barriers included: the complexity of the intervention and coaching concepts; misalignment of ECD teacher training with the caregiver-coaching approach; logistical challenges; and mismatch of the video content with the South African context. Facilitators to sustain the intervention included: child outcomes; caregiver ‘buy-in;’ and competence; and the need for ongoing live supervision. Barriers to sustaining the intervention included: structural issues of poverty, transportation and unemployment. Positive child and caregiver outcomes could be offset by larger contextual and system-level issues such as poverty and the need for ongoing support, supervision and local coaching materials in South African languages. The results will inform tailoring of the intervention training and supervision approach for a larger pilot study.
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Kümm, Aubrey Jonathan. "Feasibility of a smartphone application to identify young children at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder in a low-income community setting in South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/29355.
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Introduction and aims
More than 90% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) live in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where there is a great need for culturally appropriate, scalable and effective early identification and intervention tools. Smartphone technology and application (‘apps’) may potentially play an important role in this regard. The Autism&Beyond iPhone App was designed as a potential screening tool for ASD risk in children aged 12-72 months. Here we investigated the technical feasibility and cultural acceptability of a smartphone app to determine risk for ASD in children aged 12-72 months in a naturalistic, low-income South African community setting.
Methodology
37 typically-developing African children and their parents/carers were recruited from community centres in Khayelitsha Township, Cape Town, South Africa. We implemented a mixed-methods design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from participants in 2 stages. In stage 1, we collected quantitative data. With appropriate ethics and consent, parents completed a short technology questionnaire about their familiarity with and access to smartphones, internet and apps, followed by electronic iPhone-based demographic and ASD-related questionnaires. Next, children were shown 3 short videos of 30s each and a mirror stimulus on a study smartphone. The smartphone front facing (“selfie”) camera recorded video of the child’s facial expressions and head movement. Automated computer algorithms quantified positive emotions and time attending to stimuli. We validated the automatic coding by a) comparing the computer-generated analysis to human coding of facial expressions in a random sample (N=9), and b) comparing automated analysis of the South African data (N=33) with a matched American sample (N=33). In stage 2, a subset of families were invited to participate in focus group discussions to provide qualitative data on accessibility, acceptability, and cultural appropriateness of the app in their local community.
Results
Most parents (64%) owned a smartphone of which all (100%) were Android based, and many used Apps (45%). Human-automated coding showed excellent correlation for positive emotion (ICC= 0.95, 95% CI 0.81-0.99) and no statistically significant differences were observed between the South African and American sample in % time attending to the video stimuli. South African children, however, smiled less at the Toys&Rhymes (SA mean (SD) = 14% (24); USA mean (SD) = 31% (34); p=0.05) and Bunny video (SA mean (SD) = 12% (17); USA mean (SD) = 30% (0.27); p=0.006). Analysis of focus group data indicated that parents/carers found the App relatively easy to use, and would recommend it to others in their community provided the App and data transfer were free.
Conclusion
The results from this pilot study suggested the App to be technically accurate, accessible and culturally acceptable to families from a low-resource environment in South Africa. Given the differences in positive emotional response between the groups, careful consideration should be given to identify suitable stimuli if % time smiling is to be used as a global marker for autism risk across cultures and environments.
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Travis, Julia. "The effectiveness of the picture exchange communication system (PECS) as an augmentative communication system for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) : a South African pilot study." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/2936.
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Oringe, Florence Nafula. "Health service utilization patterns by preschool children with autism spectrum disorder compared to those with global developmental delay at a tertiary centre in South Africa." Master's thesis, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32906.
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Background Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with global developmental delays (GDD) have complex health care needs that span long periods. Affected families in low resourced countries face substantial barriers in accessing care. Challenging behaviours in children with ASDs further complicates their service encounters and may result in forgone care, resulting in poor outcomes. Aim The aim of the study was to compare health service use (HSU) by preschool children with ASD and GDD attending developmental services at a tertiary hospital, and to explore the major factors impacting patterns of access. Methods A retrospective cohort study was done, where 240 children with ASD and GDD (Non -ASD) were enrolled at a ratio of 1:1. HSU was determined by a retrospective review of their medical records, in the preceding 1 year. A structured questionnaire administered sought information on socio-demographics, child characteristics, perspectives, family distress level, experiences, and level of service satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate primary study questions. Ethical approval was obtained by the University of Cape Town Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC: 397/2019). Families gave informed consent prior to enrolment. Results A total of 240 children were enrolled,116 had ASD and 124 had GDD. Their median age was 5.2 years, and male: female ratio was 2:1. Higher co-occurring syndromic diagnoses were documented in GDD vs ASD at (46/124, 37.1% versus 14/116, 9.5%); (p<0.01) as well as higher comorbid diagnoses in GDD vs ASD at (51/124, 41.0% vs 14/116, 12.1%); (p=0.0001). A higher mean total health care visits was reported in those with GDD vs ASD (13.3 versus 11.5 (p=0.02), primarily due to higher specialist visits at 4.0 (2.0-5.5) vs 2.0 (2.0-3.0) (p<0.0001). Attendance for other services were similar in both groups, including therapy 6.0 (2.0-10.0), auxiliary services xiii 0 (0-1.0), emergency visits 1.0 (1.0-2.0), and primary care visits 0 (0-1.0). Respiratory infections (91/240;37.9%) and unspecified fever (57/240; 23.8%) were the leading reasons for emergency visits in this cohort. Hospitalization was higher among children with GDD (38/124, 31%) than ASD (16/116, 14%), p=0.02. Factors associated with higher HSU included primary diagnosis of GDD (p=0.02), female (vs male, average 1.59 more annual visits, p=0.04), being younger at first diagnosis (<2 vs ≥ 2 years, 1.72 more annual visits, p= 0.02), and having a concurrent syndromic diagnosis (vs none, 2.19 more annual visits, p=0.01). On logistic regression, controlling for these confounders, parental employment emerged as the strongest residual predictive factor for increased HSU (β 1.49, 95% CI -0.02 to 3.00, p=0.05). Conclusion: Children with GDD had greater service use than those with ASD, primarily due to higher specialist visits for their higher syndromic and comorbid diagnoses. Core therapy services were underutilized despite being key interventions in both groups. Parental employment, an enabling factor, predicted greater service use. This calls for systemic reduction in access costs to optimize care.
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Hoffman, Elaine. "Raising a child with autism : exploring family support structures." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/71773.
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Thesis(MEdPsych)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that, at present, affects approximately one out of every 100 children globally and indications are that the prevalence thereof is steadily on the rise. ASD is a complex neurological condition that impairs social interaction, communication and behaviour. Research on the wide-ranging effects of ASD and its unique characteristics in each child with ASD is widely available. Several studies refer to the fact that ASD has an impact on the family unit, but very few researchers have investigated the support that families from different cultural groups in South Africa are enjoying whilst raising a child with autism. The current situation being what it is means that professionals and families have very little data on the subject and inadequate support is available to address the specific needs of families who are raising a child with autism. The aim of this study was to investigate the support structures of three families from three different cultural groups in South Africa who were raising a child with autism. The central issue that was researched was the support structures available to parents raising a child with autism, and how parents access that support. This is a qualitative study within an interpretive research paradigm. In this case study, the methods of data collection comprised semi-structured interviews, observations and reflective journals. This design embraced qualitative research methods that could expose the uniqueness of each family’s experience and allowed participants the freedom to express this. The three families, who were purposefully selected for this study, were from different cultural backgrounds. One of the children in each family met the criteria published in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition, text revision (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) for Autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). The study found that the parents in the three families received support from their spouses and the neuro-typical siblings. The families also enjoyed physical support, financial support and emotional support from different sources. Parents reported feeling supported when others show acceptance and understanding of their children’s deficits and when such others are prepared to ‘go the extra mile’. The three families also perceived information and guidance as a valuable source of support. Even though they had firm support structures in place, they also reported on the lack of support available to them. All three families enjoyed these forms of support, but it was interesting to find out that the families received the support from different sources.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Outisme of outisme spektrum versteuring (OSV) is 'n toestand wat tans ongeveer een uit elke 100 kinders wêreldwyd affekteer en daar is aanduidings dat die voorkoms daarvan steeds toeneem. OSV is 'n komplekse neurologiese toestand wat swak sosiale interaksie, kommunikasie en gedrag tot gevolg het. Navorsingsresultate oor die breë gevolge van OSV en die unieke eienskappe daarvan in elke kind met OSV is algemeen beskikbaar. Verskeie studies verwys na die feit dat OSV 'n impak het op die gesinseenheid, maar tot dusver het baie min navorsers die ondersteuning ondersoek wat gesinne uit verskillende kulturele groepe in Suid-Afrika tydens die opvoeding van 'n kind met outisme geniet . Die huidige situasie voorsien professionele mense en gesinne van baie min data oor die onderwerp en onvoldoende ondersteuning is beskikbaar om die spesifieke behoeftes van gesinne met 'n kind met outisme aan te spreek. Die doel van hierdie studie was om ondersoek in te stel na die ondersteuning wat gesinne in verskillende kultuurgroepe in Suid-Afrika tydens die opvoeding van ‘n kind met outisme geniet. Die sentrale ondersoekvraag het betrekking gehad op ondersteuningstrukture vir gesinne met ‘n kind met outisme binne hul kultuurgroep, sowel as die wyse waarop die gesinne toegang tot die ondersteuning verkry. Die studie was kwalitatief van aard binne 'n interpretatiewe navorsingsparadigma en ’n gevallestudie is as navorsingsontwerp gekies. Data is deur middel van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude, waarnemings en reflektiewe joernale ingesamel. Die kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodes omvat die uniekheid van elke gesin se ervaring en laat deelnemers die vryheid om uitdrukking daaraan te gee. Drie gesinne is doelbewus vir hierdie studie gekies. Die gesinne moes oor die volgende kenmerke beskik: Hulle moes uit verskillende kulturele agtergronde (Afrikaan, Wit en Indiër) kom. Hul kind moes voldoen aan die kriteria in die Diagnostiese en Statistiese Handleiding van geestesversteurings, vierde uitgawe, teks hersiening (2000) vir Outisme of pervasieve ontwikkelingsstoornis nie anders gespesifiseer nie (PDD-NOS). Verskeie etiese beginsels is vir hierdie studie nagekom om te verseker dat die navorsing eties was. Die studie het bevind dat die ouers in die drie gesinne ondersteuning van hul gades en die neurotipiese broers en susters van die kind met outisme ontvang het. Die gesinne het ook fisiese ondersteuning, finansiële steun en emosionele ondersteuning vanuit verskillende bronne geniet. Die gesinne het aangedui dat hul ondersteun voel wanneer hul kinders se afwykings aanvaar word, begrip daarvoor getoon word en andere bereid was om die ‘ekstra myl te loop’. Die drie gesinne het ook inligting en leiding as waardevolle bronne van ondersteuning ervaar. Selfs al het die families sterk ondersteuningstrukture in plek gehad, het hulle ook die gebrek aan ondersteuning uitgelig. Al drie gesinne geniet die bogenoemde vorme van ondersteuning, maar dit was interessant om uit te vind dat die families hierdie ondersteuning vanuit verskillende bronne ontvang het.
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De, Waal Margaretha. "ASMT gene polymorphisms are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptom severity in a South African population." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/22888.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by behavioural and social impairments. ASD shows evidence of a genetic aetiology, with a large body of research linking ASD to polymorphisms in several different genes and gene families, including those involved in circadian rhythm generation and melatonin biosynthesis. Sleep disorders are highly comorbid with ASD in both children and adults, and range from sleep onset delay, phase shift and sleep disruption. These parasomnias can have a significant impact on the quality of life for persons with ASD and their families, and sleep deprivation can feed into the behavioural deficits in ASD. Melatonin supplementation is often prescribed to assist in alleviating the above mentioned sleep dysfunction. Melatonin is a hormone in the circadian clock system, and is a biochemical signal for darkness to synchronise peripheral cells to the master oscillator. Clinical trials reported that melatonin supplementation at night assists in sleep initiation. However both the mode of action of supplemental melatonin, as well as whether melatonin deficiency is common in ASD, remains unclear. Furthermore, any research on ASD is often hamstrung by the heterogeneous nature of the disorder, necessitating clear phenotyping. This study examines single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene acetylserotonin methyl transferase (ASMT), which encodes an enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis, in a South African ASD cohort (n=28) and controls (n=6). All participants completed and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 assessment that allowed partitioning of the ASD individuals into ASD endophenotypes, to reduce phenotyping heterogeneity. This study found SNPs previously associated with ASD in the promoter and intronic region. Additionally, this study found novel SNPs, and a SNP in a putative transcription factor binding site not previously associated with ASD. The associations found between SNPs and ASD endophenotypes, together with the positions of the SNPs, suggest a potential link between ASMT polymorphisms and ASD symptom severity. Further research, using language assessment tools as well as quantitative measures of melatonin and sleep disruption, may establish the role of melatonin in language impairment in ASD.
Book chapters on the topic "Autism spectrum disorders – South Africa"
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van Schalkwyk, Gerrit Ian, Chad Beyer, and Petrus J. de Vries. "South Africa and Autism." In Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders, 1–7. New York, NY: Springer New York, 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102111-1.
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van Schalkwyk, Gerrit Ian, Chad Beyer, and Petrus J. de Vries. "South Africa and Autism." In Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4515–20. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91280-6_102111.
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Cornett, Joseph A. "Sub-Saharan Africa and Autism." In Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders, 1–13. New York, NY: Springer New York, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102183-1.
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Cornett, Joseph A. "Sub-Saharan Africa and Autism." In Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4660–71. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91280-6_102183.
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Bello-Mojeed, Mashudat A., Muideen Owolabi Bakare, and Kerim Munir. "Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Africa: Need for Shifting Research and Public Health Focus." In Comprehensive Guide to Autism, 2437–53. New York, NY: Springer New York, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4788-7_151.
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Schlebusch, Liezl, Nola J. Chambers, John-Joe Dawson-Squibb, Michal Harty, Lauren Franz, and Petrus J. de Vries. "Challenges and opportunities of implementing early interventions for autism spectrum disorders in resource-limited settings: A South African example." In Starting At the Beginning, 99–132. Elsevier, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-819749-3.00005-1.
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O., Muideen, and Kerim M. "Autism Spectrum Disorders in Africa." In A Comprehensive Book on Autism Spectrum Disorders. InTech, 2011. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/17469.
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Angjellari-Dajci, Fiorentina, William F. Lawless, Nitin Agarwal, Ron Oberleitner, Barbara Coleman, and Masoud Kavoossi. "Telehealth-Based Systems for Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders." In Handbook of Research on ICTs and Management Systems for Improving Efficiency in Healthcare and Social Care, 1044–65. IGI Global, 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-3990-4.ch055.
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The prevailing system for diagnosis, treatment, and management of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in the US—the in-person service delivery—has been unable to address the increase in the demand for services and societal costs for those served, and the unattained societal benefits for those not diagnosed early enough or not offered early and intensive behavioral interventions. The authors discuss new developments in telehealth for diagnostic evaluation and ASD treatment in the US. They build a theoretical model to capture telehealth system’s potential in reaching ASD screening market equilibrium under the constraint of full utilization of provider hours and other stylized facts. The authors estimate the market demand for ASD screening in the US for year 2011. They present their progress with a case study that focuses on the potential impacts of increased access to care of technology-based telehealth on the Georgia-South Carolina border. The authors use social network analysis to envision the future of telehealth service delivery for ASDs.