Masters Degrees (Occupational Therapy)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Occupational Therapy) by Subject "Autism spectrum disorders in children"

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    Exploring the experiences of mothers on their daily occupations while having a child on the spectrum of autism
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Laminette, Elana; Bester, Juanita; Vlok, E. D.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Occupational Therapy.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Prior to the commencement of this study, an abundance of information on the topic of autism spectrum disorders and its symptoms, its prevalence and the effect on the family’s psychosocial- and emotional wellbeing were available. However, studies to describe the impact of a child with autism spectrum disorder on the occupations of families were limited, especially within the South-African context, and the researcher could find no information describing the impact of such a child specifically relating to the daily occupations of their mothers. This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore how mothers with children on the spectrum of autism experience the impact of the child on their own daily occupations, and the meaning they derive from these experiences. Purposive sampling was used in selecting eleven mothers whose children attended therapeutic and medical follow up at one of the tertiary public hospitals in the Western Cape. In-depth semi-structured interviews following an interview guideline were conducted with each of the participants. The interviews were audio taped, and thereafter transcribed verbatim. A process of open coding was used to analyze the transcribed interviews. The findings emerging from the data-analysis process, uncovered three themes, namely ‘mothering as an identity’, mothering as an occupation’, and ‘making sense and moving forward’. These themes emphasized the immense changes the mothers had to face with regards to their occupational engagement, as well as on a personal level due their children’s diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. It also brought to light the factors influencing the experiences and actions of mothers, shaping their mothering identities, as well as their needs and barriers in terms of successful participation in their everyday occupations. The study reported on the occupational risk factors these mothers face, as well as the enabling elements with regards to successful and meaningful occupational engagement. Occupational therapists working with children should be especially conscious of the inseparable relationship between the occupations of the child they are treating, and the occupations of the primary caregiver when implementing therapy programs. Only through ensuring the successful and meaningful participation in occupations of both the mother and the child, the occupational therapist will be able to improve the health and well-being in the one or the other. Careful selection and collaborative goal setting when planning therapy programs are therefore essential.