Parent/care givers' perception of the efficacy of a student based occupational therapy service with autistic spectrum disorder children
Date
2009-11-03T09:20:26Z
Authors
Bale, Rebecca
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Abstract
This qualitative study explores the perceptions of parents/caregivers of the
efficacy of a student based occupational therapy service with children with
autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Key informant interviews were conducted with
ten randomly selected parents/caregivers of children with ASD receiving
occupational therapy from final year students of the University of the
Witwatersrand. Data analysis generated six themes: Understanding of
Occupational Therapy; Limitations of students as therapists; Lack of partnership;
Inadequate structure of the program; Inefficacy of the service and, Desperate
need of help. The study showed that the student based occupational therapy
service was not effective because students were not in a position to provide a
comprehensive treatment programme for the children. The findings highlight the
need for the provision of a full time occupational therapy service at the CDC. A
follow up study to explore experiences of students in the management of ASD is
recommended.
Description
M.Sc. (Occupational Therapy), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2009
Keywords
autism, student based occupational therapy, parent/care giver perception