AN EXAMINATION OF THE INDICATORS OF EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION IN TREATMENT OF LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM IN NAIROBI CITY, KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the indicators of effective collaboration in the treatment of language disorders in children with autism in Nairobi City County. This study was guided by Belbin’s Theory of Teamwork and Gregory’s Theory of Perception. The study adopted the qualitative research design targeting 55 caregivers and 10 speech therapists. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 participants. The research was conducted in Nairobi County and piloting at a medical Hospital. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews and analysed thematically. The study findings showed that the indicators of effective collaborative approaches include achievement of set goals, improved speech, inclusivity of all those involved, improved sharing of information, and improved decision-making. Collaboration ensures that the caregivers are well-informed about the treatments and interventions. The study recommends that the public should be educated on the different disorders such as autism and other spectrum disorders that may cause language disorders to address issues of stigmatization and the benefits that come with adopting collaborative approaches in treating language disorders in children with autism.  Article visualizations: