MAKING A CASE ON SOCIAL INTERACTION OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS: A STUDY OF SELECTED COMPOUNDS OF LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

Authors

  • Kalumba Hellen Chalwe Research Scholar, Zambia Institute of Special Education, Zambia
  • Joseph Mandyata Research Supervisor, Dr., University of Zambia, Zambia
  • Sophie Kasonde-Ng’andu Research Supervisor, Prof. University of Zambia, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v8i9.3881

Keywords:

social interaction, parents, autistic spectrum disorder, lived experiences

Abstract

Parenting a child is a challenging experience let alone parenting a child with a disability. The nature of the disability in a child goes with its complexity and it often puts parenting skills to the test. This study explores the experiences on social interactions of parents with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in selected compounds of Lusaka, Zambia. The study used an interpretative phenomenological framework supported by qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Non-probability criterion purposive sampling procedure was used to select participants. The sample size comprised of 10 parents with children with ASD. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed that parents had unique experiences in raising their children with ASD. These included; inadequate information on ASD; lack of support services; miscommunications between parents and children with ASD; stigmatization; lack of adequate sleeping time and negative attitude towards parents and their children with ASD. It was evident from the study that parents require supportive services including counselling to enable them to deal with the complexities that emanate from parenting children with ASD. In view of these the study recommended increased awareness on ASD; development, promotion and regular evaluation of intervention strategies parents use aimed at improving the daily lives of parents and their children with ASD in the study sites.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Kalumba Hellen Chalwe, Research Scholar, Zambia Institute of Special Education, Zambia
    Ms. Hellen Kalumba Chalwe is currently lecturer, research fellow at Zambia Institute of Special Education in Lusaka, Zambia. She is also a part time lecturer with Institute of Distance Education (IDE) under UNZA and currently finalizing her PhD in Educational Psychology with University of Zambia. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology degree, Bachelor of Education in Special Education of the University of Zambia. In addition, she has a Diploma in ICT for Teachers, Diploma in special education and a Certificate in primary Education. Her research interests include: special education; psychology and disabilities.
  • Joseph Mandyata, Research Supervisor, Dr., University of Zambia, Zambia

    Dr. Joseph Mandyata is currently a lecturer, researcher in the Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology and Special Education, School of Education, University of Zambia. He has researched and published several articles in the field of special and inclusive education; guidance and counselling in local and international journals. He holds a PhD in Special Education, Master of Education in Special Education and a Bachelor of Arts with Education Degree from the University of Zambia. He lectures in Special Education; inclusive education and guidance and counselling at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels. His research interests are in: policies and management of special / inclusive education; partnerships in education; guidance and counselling, disability, education and poverty.

  • Sophie Kasonde-Ng’andu, Research Supervisor, Prof. University of Zambia, Zambia
    Professor Sofie Kasonde-Ng’andu is a professor of Educational Psychology, a Senior Lecturer and researcher in the University of Zambia, School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology and Special Education. She holds a PhD degree in Educational Psychology, Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts with Education degree from the University of Zambia. She has published and presented papers on a wide range of educational psychology and related educational issues in local and international journal. Her research interests include equity studies in education, curriculum innovation, teacher education, disability and poverty, psychology of disability, comparative and development education, secondary and primary education and entrepreneurial education.

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Published

2021-08-06

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 9 (2021)

Section

Articles

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