The Education and Care of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Harare- Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the quality of education and care for children with autism spectrum disorders in Harare. Data was objectively collected using a descriptive qualitative research design. In-depth interviews were also used to collect data from 10 parents of children with autistic spectrum disorders, 5 medical personnel and 10 ECD teachers. Findings from the observations and in-depth interviews were descriptively analysed under each the following themes: parents, health sector and education. Findings revealed that teachers felt incompetent to identify and teach children with autistic spectrum disorders. In addition, findings revealed that resources for children with autistic spectrum disorders in Harare were scarce and there were no specific schools which enrol such learners.  It was further revealed that most teachers and school heads in the study were not equipped practically with teaching and caring for children with spectrum disorders and, as a result, offered little or no education and care for children with autistic spectrum disorders. Basing on these findings, it is recommended that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with schools, universities and colleges should do staff development on practical skills training on the care and education of autistic children. Since the study revealed that school heads were not qualified to assess and mentor personnel on the care and education of children with autistic spectrum disorders, it is recommended that colleges and universities staff develop school heads on mentoring to enhance the quality of education and care for children with autistic spectrum disorders.