Early diagnosis and intervention for autism spectrum disorder in Africa: insights from a case study.

Nicola Wannenburg,Roelf Van Niekerk

doi:10.4314/ahs.v18i1.18

Abstract

Globally the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become more apparent. Prevalence on the African continent remains unknown. There is a call for further research into ASD in Africa as well as means to make early diagnosis and intervention possible. The study aimed to raise awareness about ASD in Africa and encourage dialogue on possible intervention strategies for ASD in low resource settings. This was a qualitative mixed method case study. Literature regarding ASD in Africa was reviewed in order to provide context for the research and facilitate data reduction of the case study of Temple Grandin. The case study was conducted through a psychobiographical approach using Erikson's (1950/1973) theory of psychosocial development to interpret the life of Temple Grandin. The findings underwent further data reduction in order to focus on possible interventions for ASD. Four primary interventions were found to be useful in facilitating development in an individual with ASD. Namely; speech therapy, creative endeavours, animals (human-animal interaction), and being mentored. Undiagnosed and untreated cases of ASD place undue psychosocial and economic burden on families and communities. Government support, by including ASD in health policies, is essential. Through creative adaptation of knowledge, communities may provide a valuable resource to ASD intervention strategies.

Highlights

Literature regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Africa was reviewed in order to provide context for the research and facilitate data reduction of the case study of Temple Grandin
The case study was conducted through a psychobiographical approach using Erikson’s (1950/1973) theory of psychosocial development to interpret the life of Temple Grandin
Grandin is able to reflect upon what was useful to her development, which is rare in cases of ASD

Summary

Introduction

Awareness and concern regarding the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased worldwide.[1,2,3] In high resource countries, this has led to an increase in funding for ASD research and the inclusion of ASD in health policies.[1,4] Despite an increase in research on ASD in Africa in the last decade,[2,5] little is known about its prevalence on the continent.[5,6,7] In part, this is owing to greater financial and research focus on com-The existing ASD research in Africa highlights the need for further awareness and focus on the gaps in knowledge and associated problems specific to this continent. Awareness and concern regarding the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased worldwide.[1,2,3] In high resource countries, this has led to an increase in funding for ASD research and the inclusion of ASD in health policies.[1,4] Despite an increase in research on ASD in Africa in the last decade,[2,5] little is known about its prevalence on the continent.[5,6,7] In part, this is owing to greater financial and research focus on com-. Intervention increases the possibility of facilitating cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development in individuals with. There is a call for further research into ASD in Africa as well as means to make early diagnosis and intervention possible. Literature regarding ASD in Africa was reviewed in order to provide context for the research and facilitate data reduction of the case study of Temple Grandin. Diagnosis and intervention for autism spectrum disorder in Africa: insights from a case study.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion