Parental Perceptions Upon Receiving Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disability for their Child in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined Nigerian parents’ perceptions upon receiving an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or an Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD) diagnosis for their child. Using a cross-sectional design, this study surveyed Nigerian parents via a questionnaire containing a modified version of the Family Interview Schedule (n = 247) to examine how parents experienced stigma, their knowledge about ASD/IDD, and their perceived cause of ASD/IDD. Descriptive statistics indicated that the majority of surveyed parents experienced stigma and believed that autism could be cured. Furthermore, results from a stepwise linear regression demonstrated that parents’ level of education significantly influenced their experiences of stigma, their choice of institutions for seeking initial help, their perception of the seriousness of the disorder, and the impact of others’ belief in the transmissibility of their child’s condition on child’s condition could be transmitted significantly affected their experiences of stigma. Results are discussed, and implications for policy, research, and practice are provided.