Effect of early intervention measures on social interaction of children with autistic spectrum disorders in public primary schools in mumias west sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Children with autism have difficulties in social interaction. Lack of interaction skills affects their achievements in school and later in adulthood. Active socialization helps to build a sense of self-realization and increase awareness of their expectations. They also have difficulties in communication process and are limited in non-verbal communication. They lack skills for interaction with their peers.These make their peers to reject them thus leaving them lonely and isolated. It is important for these children to develop Social interactions skills which are vital for inclusion. This can be done through early intervention programmes which are limited in Mumias West Sub- County. The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of Early Intervention Measures on Social Interaction of children with autism in public primary schools in Mumias West Sub- County. The study determined the influence of Restructured Environment on Social Interaction of children with autism in public primary schools in Mumias West Sub County. It adopted a mixed method research design that integrated both qualitative and quantitative data in order to give an in-depth understanding of the effect of Early Intervention Measures on Social Interaction of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Public Primary Schools in Mumias West Sub- County. Population of the study was 286 teachers teaching in inclusive programmes in Mumias West Sub-County. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample out 91 teachers teaching learners with autism. The study was guided by the Social cultural Learning Theory and Theory of Mind. Research instruments were questionnaires, interview schedule and observation checklists. Validity of Instruments was done by experts in the school of education. Test retest method was used to test for reliability of the instruments. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The researcher found out that there was limited early intervention measures to improve social interaction of children with autistic spectrum disorders in public primary schools in Mumias West Sub-County. it recommended that stakeholders should source for more resources to be used to modify learning environment to improve social interaction for learners with autistic spectrum disorders.