Effects of Children’s Disabilities on their Families in Tanzania: The Case of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Mauma, Machunde Hamisi (2023) Effects of Children’s Disabilities on their Families in Tanzania: The Case of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

With a sample size of 21 participants—11 parents and 10 professionals—the study used an exploratory qualitative design. Using purposive and snowball sampling methods, the sample was chosen. Using Microsoft Excel for coding and topic tracking, interview transcripts were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis process. The majority of families with children with ASD reported having to shoulder the financial burden of raising their kids, according to the study. Some parents then had health issues as a result, including high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, depression, and antisocial behaviour. The majority of participants weren't happy with the kind of care their kids got at public hospitals. The participants discussed the difficulties and obstacles associated with raising children with autism, including inexperienced medical professionals, exorbitant therapy fees (music, occupational, speech, and language), financial strain, ignorance of harmful customs, stigmatization and discrimination, stress, anxiety, and depression, and marital/spouse conflicts. It is anticipated that the study's findings will provide the government—more especially, the Ministry of Health—and other relevant parties with scientific information about how to handle and treat ASD disabilities. The report specifically recommends that the government lessen the multiplying effects of the ASD problem by assisting families and individuals (socially and economically). To promote early diagnosis and intervention against ASD, the study also calls on the government and society to educate individuals about detrimental traditional practices and beliefs. Lastly, the government ought to work towards constructing new schools and renovating outdated ones with subpar settings and infrastructure for kids with autism and related developmental disabilities. Keywords: Children with autism, detrimental traditional practices, ASD

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