4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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Author: search.filters.author.Botha, Noluthando Daleen ElizabethSubject: search.filters.subject.SDG-8: Decent work and economic growth

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    The influence of children displaying characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the lives of working parents: a case of the Northern Cape Province (NC) South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Botha, Noluthando Daleen Elizabeth; Pretorius, Edmarie
    Raising children displaying characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) leads to various experiences for the working caregiver. The prevalence of ASD is globally estimated that one in every 160 children has ASD. The prevalence rate for ASD in Africa is not known. Based on qualitative research conducted with nine participants in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, explores the experiences of working caregivers. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory underpins the study. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling was used to select the nine participants who participated in the study. Semi-structured interview schedule comprising of open-ended questions was used to collect the data. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The main findings from the study are that caregivers living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics are emotionally demanding and affect the quality of life and well-being of the working caregivers. Living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics influences and limits the social context of working caregivers. Living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics affects the work performance and career development of the working caregivers negatively. Working caregivers living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics need available, accessible, and affordable services to care for the child with ASD characteristics. Working caregivers living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics need continuous practical support and guidance in dealing with unforeseen and unknown circumstances they are confronted with. The main conclusion drawn from the study was that the working caregiver, as being the primary caregiver to the child displaying autism spectrum disorder can find themselves in distress if their support structure is not well established.