Parents' and professionals' perceptions on causes and treatment options for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in a multicultural context on the Kenyan Coast.
OBJECTIVE
To explore parents' and professionals' perceived causes and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) on the Kenyan Coast.


METHODS
In-depth interviews and focus group discussions using guiding questions were utilized in data collection. One hundred and three participants, who included parents of children with ASD, special needs teachers, clinicians, and social workers from diverse cultural background, participated in this study. The interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim and then translated to English. Themes were generated using content analysis.


RESULTS
Preternatural causes were mentioned and included evil spirits, witchcraft, and curses. Biomedical causes comprised infections, drug abuse, birth complications, malnutrition, and genetic related problems. Treatment varied from traditional and spiritual healing to modern treatment in health facilities, and included consultations with traditional healers, offering prayers to God, and visits to hospitals.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that regardless of cultural backgrounds, people on the Kenyan Coast have similar views on perceived causes and treatment of ASD. These findings provide valuable conceptual understanding for professionals when planning and implementing community based rehabilitation interventions targeting children with ASD within a local context.
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
Joseph K
JK
Gona
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Charles R
CR
Newton
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
Kenneth
K
Rimba
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
Rachel
R
Mapenzi
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya; Psychology Department, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
Michael
M
Kihara
Department of Culture Studies, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands.
Fons J R
FJ
Van de Vijver
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Culture Studies, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
Amina
A
Abubakar
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000208:ethnology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012938:Social Perception; D026443:Spiritual Therapies / Q000523:psychology