‘We wait and we wait’—caregiver perspectives on autism spectrum disorder services in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

Introduction

Caregivers of children with autism face significant challenges in navigating health, education and other systems of care to ensure appropriate services for their children. In South Africa, for example, many children with autism are reported to be out of schools and waiting long periods for specialist school placements thus adding to the burden of care for caregivers and raising many questions about equity, diversity and inclusion.

Methods

Here we performed a qualitative study using focus groups to collect data on the perspectives of caregivers of children with autism waiting for school placement in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. We asked families about their experiences of current autism services and for suggestions to improve service delivery.

Results

The main theme that emerged was ‘We wait and we wait’. Caregivers expressed high levels of frustration with existing autism educational and other services. Perspectives about services were captured under three categories. The first category, ‘The costs of waiting’ describes the socioemotional, financial and time costs associated with having a child with autism wait for educational services. The second category ‘Barriers while waiting’ describes the attitudinal, structural, process and communication barriers experienced by caregivers while seeking services for their children. The final category ‘Expecting action’ describes attitudinal, service and policy expectations that caregivers felt could improve service delivery. Caregivers provided 10 recommendations for autism service improvements.

Conclusion

Caregivers of children with autism waiting for educational services in the Western Cape Province of South Africa expressed dissatisfaction with existing services. Efforts to find solutions to providing services and support to children with autism waiting for educational services and their caregivers should be prioritized.