Sidiki, S.

Abstract

It is imperative to establish that autism spectrum disorder is considered one of the most widely recognized developmental disorders that has gained much prominence on a global scale at the turn of the century which is susceptible to varied interpretations in cross-cultural context. It is highly characterized by cognitive, social, communication deficits and neurodevelopmental delay and in effect exerts greater socio-economic burden on families and caregivers with increasing cause for concern going forward. The overarching purpose of the study was to explore community cultural beliefs and practices about autism spectrum disorder in three selected communities in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region. Study employed phenomenological research design with a qualitative method of approach. Both purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed with a sample size of 30. The study made use of only primary sources of data elicited with the aid of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis was mainly statistically descriptive with phenomenological interpretive analysis. Data analyzed from the findings arrived at the conclusion that culture play a cardinal and inextricable role in shaping participants knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and interpretations ascribed to autism spectrum disorder which consequently shape participants health-seeking behaviours and interventions.