A narrative review on the prevalence of autism in a South African context

Abstract

Cultural perspectives are important when exploring caregivers’ experiences. However, not much research has been conducted in South Africa on the experiences of caregivers who are taking care of children living with an autism spectrum disorder. This study was aimed at reviewing literature on the experiences of caregivers living with autistic children. A narrative review was employed as the research method and information was purposively extracted from different databases such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and EBSCOHost to collect data. It was gathered that caregivers have insufficient knowledge and understanding regarding the child’s autism diagnosis. We also found that caregivers experience socio-economic and psychological challenges. Little social support is enjoyed by caregivers from community and family members as a coping strategy. Thus, we conclude and recommend that caregivers need a form of intervention that will help or assist their psychosocial well-being while providing care for their children. Moreover, caregivers have limited knowledge of autism and experience psychological challenges that are associated with the autism diagnosis of their child. This affects their subsequent abilities to efficiently provide care to the children.