Family Experiences With Autism Spectrum Disorder in East and West Africa

• In Event: We Can Do It: Valuing Families' and Communities' Voices Shaping Educational Systems

Abstract

This paper explores the current experiences of families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in East and West Africa. This will be accomplished via two means: a) a comprehensive review of the current research on ASD in sub-Saharan West Africa and East Africa; and b) personal narrative data from a qualitative study conducted with children, family members and staff at two specialized centers for children with disabilities in Dakar and a parent advocacy group in Kenya. Specifically, the paper examined the following question in relation to the literature and in relation to the perspectives of people in the field.
1. What challenges and opportunities do families face in getting a diagnosis, raising and educating their children with ASD?

Author

• Elizabeth R. Drame, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee