Assessing the Effectiveness of Professional Development Training on Autism and Culturally Responsive Practice for Educators and Practitioners in Ethiopia.

Journal: Frontiers in psychiatry

Volume: 11

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States. Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.

Abstract summary 

This study examines the effect of professional development training on educators' and practitioners' knowledge of Autism and the use of culturally responsive practices. Using a single group, pre-post design, data was gathered from 34 educators and health professionals (i.e., teachers, counselors, psychologists, therapists, therapeutic care workers, social workers, and nurses) in Ethiopia. A week-long training covering ASDs and culturally responsive evidence-based training was provided to participants. Results showed significant improvement in participants' knowledge about ASD symptoms, nature, characteristics, as well as intervention selection. Participants' use of culturally informed approaches, in their area of professional service, showed a high level of participants' knowledge and low-level use of culturally responsive practices, policies, and procedures. Recommendations for addressing cultural factors impacting the diagnosis and treatment-seeking approaches to ASD in Africa are provided.

Authors & Co-authors:  Zeleke Waganesh A WA Hughes Tammy L TL Kanyongo Gibbs G

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Johnson CP. Early clinical characteristics of children with Autism. In: Gupta V.B. ed: Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Children. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. (2004). p. 85-123.
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : 583674
SSN : 1664-0640
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Ethiopia;autism;multicultural mental health practice;professional development training;training effectiveness
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Ethiopia
Publication Country
Switzerland