Black African mothers’ experiences of having their child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract

In recent years there has been an increase in the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) around the world yet there has been little research aimed at understanding its implications in African countries. Due to the influence culture has on individuals’ behaviour, beliefs and ideas, it is important to understand the way in which different cultures understand mental disorders. This study sought to gain an African perspective on the experiences black African parents had when their children had been diagnosed with ASD. This study used a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews. Six participants were interviewed all of whom were black African mothers. The key findings of the study showed issues with education, finances as well as stigma. In addition, the study found that the average age of diagnosis for the children was four years old, which is half the predicted age of diagnosis of most African children. However, most of the parents in the study only sought a healthcare practitioner after a teacher had raised concerns. This appears to be in line with existing literature. Moreover, due to cultural belief systems black African parents sought interventions that were not within the scope of western medical practice such as traditional African healers and religious healers. Lastly, there appears to be a gap in not only community based awareness but also in healthcare policies that currently exist within South Africa.