Using a cell phone application to support caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This mini-dissertation aims to explore the daily realities faced by caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder and the implications thereof on the use of a cell phone application that can assist in easing the tension between the need for support and the lack of resources to secure that support whenever necessary. Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory, in addition to the assets-based approach, forms the basis on which the study is conceptualised. Using a qualitative approach, a case study research design was used to select the participant by means of purposive sampling. The research participant used the application that was selected for a period of ten days, after which a semi-structured interview was conducted as the primary mode of data collection. The data were then analysed, using inductive thematic analysis, after which themes and subthemes were derived. The findings of the study indicated that the research participant faces a meaningful lack of financial support and social support, and that the cell phone application was seen as a useful tool for supporting her child in spite of this. The study contributed to expanding the current research body on this topic. A major limitation was the sample size of the study being too small for the results to be generalised. Recommendations include that cell phone applications be designed with users’ cultural and language preferences in mind and that more studies of this nature be done.