Abstract

ABUBAKAR, Amina et al. Perspectives of key stakeholders on educational experiences of children with autism spectrum disorders at the Kenyan Coast. Afr. j. disabil. (Online) [online]. 2022, vol.11, pp.1-6. ISSN 2226-7220.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v11i0.847.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the educational experiences of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the Kenyan Coastal context. OBJECTIVES: We examined the diagnostic and placement procedures used in education on the Kenyan coastal region. In addition, we investigated the education-related challenges faced by children with ASD. METHODS: We conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 21 participants, including teachers, clinicians and educational administrators. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic framework on qualitative data analysis software, NVIVO 10 RESULTS: The findings from this study indicate that there were no systematic approaches to diagnosing children as having ASD. Teachers reported experiencing many challenges, including a lack of specialised training, inadequate resources and difficulty in managing children with different functional abilities in one class. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need for contextually relevant evidence-based identification, placement and management services to be put in place to meet the educational needs of children with ASD.

Keywords : autism spectrum disorders; education; assessment; teacher training; special needs.

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