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

Abstract

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.

Community Knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…These findings show a high level of knowledge when compared to a prior survey conducted in Saudi Arabia, which found that the degree of understanding was only 41% [ 29 ]. One study in Australia and another in Africa found similar results to ours; in both studies, participants had a general understanding of ASD but very little understanding of the disease’s cause [ 30 , 31 ]. The majority of Australians were aware of ASD, but they believed it was caused by the MMR vaccine.…”

“…However, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that there was no evidence linking any vaccine to autism [ 19 , 30 ]. Another study revealed a misunderstanding about the treatment, with participants believing that children with ASD are unable to attend public school [ 31 ]. As previously said, this disorder is caused by a number of variables, some of which are genetic in nature and others which are environmental in nature [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

Knowledge and Attitudes toward Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia

“…The World Health Organization (WHO), on the other hand, said that no evidence linking any vaccine to autism exists [ 30 ]. Another study found that participants misunderstood the treatment, believing that children with ASD are unable to attend public school [ 31 ]. As previously said, a variety of factors contribute to the development of this condition, some of which are genetic in origin and others which are environmental in nature [ 15 , 32 ].…”

“…As previously said, a variety of factors contribute to the development of this condition, some of which are genetic in origin and others which are environmental in nature [ 15 , 32 ]. In another African study, not just among communities but also among health care providers and educators, there was a lack of understanding [ 31 ].…”

Health issues of concern to Africa and beyond: infections, NCDs and health systems inertia

“…Keeping with the mental health theme, we bring you a paper on early diagnosis and intervention for autism spectrum disorder. 17 The NCD section ends with a case report on Truncus arteriosus communis. 18 …”