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The concept of autism spectrum disorder: a study on knowledge sharing protocol among parents with autistic children in Ghana

Bernard Kissi-Abrokwah (Counselling Centre, C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Ghana)
Kwame Kodua-Ntim (Sam Jonah Library, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana)

Advances in Autism

ISSN: 2056-3868

Article publication date: 9 July 2021

Issue publication date: 16 February 2022

277

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify knowledge sharing practices used among parents with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on qualitative philosophical foundations, where phenomenological case study design was used to make an in-depth understanding of how parents whose children are diagnosed with ASD shared knowledge among themselves. The population for this research consists of parents whose children have been diagnosed with ASD in Ghana. The study sampled for the study was 12 parents and was selected from 4 autism awareness centres in Ghana to obtain data through the use of focus group discussion and analysed with the aid of thematic analysis.

Findings

The study showed that the dimensions of knowledge sharing practices used by parents with autistic children were after-action review/lesson learnt, brainstorming, mentoring, coaching system, discussion forum, face-to-face meeting, documentation, peer assistance and storytelling. Finally, the study also revealed that knowledge sharing practices used by parents with autistic children help them in their daily engagement.

Social implications

An aspect of the training of social workers should focus on how to assist parents, family and neighbours of children with ASD. The government through the needed ministries and agencies should create a social support system to assist parents and families with children with ASD. Counsellors should avail their services to parents with children with ASD as early as possible to avoid or ameliorate some of the emotional and psychological challenges of these parents.

Originality/value

The paper offers a comprehensive overview on how knowledge sharing transforms the individual to learn and accept autistic condition in Ghana.

Keywords

Citation

Kissi-Abrokwah, B. and Kodua-Ntim, K. (2022), "The concept of autism spectrum disorder: a study on knowledge sharing protocol among parents with autistic children in Ghana", Advances in Autism, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 147-162. https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-12-2020-0074

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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