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