Work

Exploring parent and service provider expectations for children with autism or intellectual disability: A two-country follow-up study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Few studies have examined care providers’ expectations for children with autism spectrum disorders or intellectual disability in low-and-middle-income countries. We used data from a qualitative study to inform a quantitative investigation of parents’ and service providers’ expectations for children with autism or intellectual disability in Ghana and Zambia.Method 207 participants completed country-specific surveys examining expectations for children with autism or intellectual disability. Participants rated each expectation statement on two criteria: (i) the perceived importance and (ii) the perceived likelihood of attainment. We investigated differences using multivariate analysis of variance strategies.Results There were significant differences between parents and service providers in Ghana on the perceived importance of independence, and the likelihood of children with autism or intellectual disability attaining independence, quality education, and community acceptance and inclusion. No significant differences emerged in Zambia.Conclusion The findings and research, policy, and practice implications are discussed.

Source: Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability

DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2025.2508620

Authors: Melissa Washington-Nortey, Adote Anum, Zewelanji Serpell, Yaoying Xu, Ioana Rusnac

Institutions: King's College London, University of Ghana, Virginia Commonwealth University

Language: English

Topic: Family and Disability Support Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, Virginia Commonwealth University, National Institute for Health and Care Research