BackgroundGlobally 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.ObjectivesThe study aimed to raise awareness about ASD in Africa and encourage dialogue on possible intervention strategies for ASD in low resource settings.MethodsThis 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.ResultsFour 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.ConclusionUndiagnosed 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.

The dark sides of personalities have gained importance during the past two decades. Psychobiography deals with the life of extraordinary individuals throughout the life span by applying selected theories to analyse specific life aspects. This study uses Theodore Millon’s (1990, 2011) personality theory to explore the life of Ferdinand Karl Piëch (1937–2019), an Austrian engineer and business executive who was the chairman of the executive board of the Volkswagen Group (1993–2002) and the chairman of the supervisory board from 2002 to 2015. Piëch was also known for having a complex and controversial personality. This study aims to explore the life and work of Ferdinand Karl Piëch through the lens of Millon’s personality theory. This study has four specific aims. Firstly, to provide an accurate and objective description of Piëch’s life history. Secondly, to formulate an accurate description of Piëch’s personality on the basis of existing biographical data. Thirdly, to interpret Piëch’s personality through the use of Millon’s theoretical framework and identify the personality prototypes that correspond with his personality characteristics. Fourthly, to contribute to expanding the field of “dark personality aspects” from a psychobiographical perspective, especially the personalities of extraordinary individuals. The findings suggest that although Piëch demonstrated the characteristics of three personality prototypes, the assertive-sadistic prototype is the best fit for his personality characteristics. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations for theory and practice are given.

Background: As awareness surrounding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Africa has increased, the high rate of non-verbal autism on the continent has come to the fore. Late diagnosis and access to viable interventions are continued concerns. Due to the greater focus on communicable diseases in healthcare curriculums, healthcare professionals frequently do not possess the required knowledge and experience to diagnose cases of neurodevelopmental disorders. Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to encounter autistic individuals or their families because of being the first professionals whose advice is sought about worrisome symptoms, either by high-functioning individuals with autism or by a worried parent of a newborn or toddler. Methods: A narrative review of healthcare professionals’ knowledge of ASD in Africa provided context for the research and highlighted areas needing focus. A qualitative mixed-method case study was used to highlight symptoms and potential behaviors of autism that healthcare practitioners may face in practice. Findings: A lack of focus on neurodevelopmental disorders in healthcare curriculums has led to an inability to recognize, diagnose, and intervene in ASD cases across Africa, which places a greater burden on families, especially in low-resource settings. Nurses are central in both clinics and communities. Nurses’ ability to discern neurodevelopmental and autistic behavior from typical childhood development is crucial to timely diagnosis and intervention as well as accurate treatment of presenting communicable diseases or co-morbidities. Increasing health professionals’ awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder should aid in the reduction of undiagnosed and untreated cases. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals’ ability to diagnose developmental disorders at a younger age, may increase the chances of intervention and autonomy in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and support for families. Recommendation: In order to facilitate early diagnoses and intervention of neurodevelopmental disorders, greater emphasis needs to be placed on non-communicable diseases in health care curriculums.

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