Explaining parents’ experiences of raising children with autism spectrum disorders in Lesotho

ABSTRACT

Research on parents’ experiences of raising a child with autism spectrum disorders reveals that it is a task filled with opportunities and challenges. However, research in non-Western countries on this syndrome is limited. So this exploratory qualitative case study was conducted to recount the lived experiences of Basotho parents on raising a child with ASD. The study used purposive and snowball techniques to recruit participants and used semi-structured interviews to generate data from six participants: five females and one male. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study yielded three challenges namely, poor diagnostic and healthcare support services, lack of educational assessment and support services, and parents’ susceptibility to psychosocial distress. The findings highlight the significance of disability data coordination between the Ministries of Health, Social Development, and Education to provide comprehensive autism services for children with ASD. A national study on autism spectrum disorders is needed to inform policy and practice in Lesotho.

KEYWORDS:

• Autism
• diagnosis
• Lesotho
• parents’ experiences
• support

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the study, its writing and its publication.

Notes on contributors

Paseka Andrew Mosia

Paseka Andrew Mosia holds a Doctor of Education in Inclusive Education from the University of South Africa. He is an Associate Professor of Inclusive Education in the Educational Foundations Department at the National University of Lesotho and teaches courses in education support service, inclusive education and life skills education at undergraduate and graduate levels. He supervises masters and PhD students in the area of inclusive education and educational psychology. His research interests are on inclusive education generally, learner support and social justice in education.

Mahlape Tseeke

Mahlape Tseeke holds a Master of Education in Special Education from Central China Normal University. She is a lecturer in the Educational Foundations Department at the National University of Lesotho and teaches special education and educational psychology courses at graduate and undergraduate levels. Her research interests are on inclusive education, Autism Spectrum Disorder and sensory disabilities.