An ecocultural exploration of play in young children with developmental delays living in resource-limited contexts: A caregiver perspective

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Date
2022
Authors
Small, Renée Frances
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract in other languages 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘢𝘯𝘴
Abstract
𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 Children's play is a natural phenomenon through which children develop and make sense of their world, making play an ideal medium for child-based interventions. While research is available on the play of children with and without developmental delays, minimal research exists on the play of children with developmental delays living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Cross-cultural studies have shown variations in child play, highlighting the importance of contextualised research on the play of children with developmental delays living in culturally diverse, resource-limited settings. This study aimed to explore the play of Basotho children with developmental delays living in resource-limited communities in South Africa from their caregivers' perspective. It explored (a) what they play with (Manuscript 1) and (b) why, how, and where they play (Manuscript 2). Twelve Basotho caregivers of children with developmental delays were purposively selected to participate in two focus groups. The findings revealed ecocultural understandings of access to toys and play materials, specifically the (1) availability, (2) affordability, (3) accessibility, (4) acceptability, and (5) accommodation of play opportunities. Caregivers gave further insight into why their children play (sensory stimulation, emotional regulation, and development), how their children play (the visibility of their disability, specific interests, and play partners), and where they play (at their home). These added to the understanding of play in children with developmental delays living in resource-limited communities. This understanding is imperative for the feasibility of early interventions for children that is also respectful and culturally sensitive to their contexts.
𝑨𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒌𝒂𝒂𝒏𝒔 Kinderspel (of speel) is 'n natuurlike verskynsel waardeur kinders ontwikkel en sin maak van hul wêreld. Dit maak spel 'n ideale medium vir kindergebaseerde intervensies. Terwyl navorsing beskikbaar is oor die spel van kinders met en sonder ontwikkelingsagterstande, bestaan daar minimale navorsing oor die spel van kinders met ontwikkelingsagterstande wat in lae- en middel-inkomste lande woon. Verder het kruiskulturele studies variasies in kinderspel getoon, wat die belangrikheid beklemtoon van gekontekstualiseerde navorsing oor die spel van kinders met ontwikkelingsagterstande wat in kultureel-diverse, hulpbronbeperkte omgewings leef. Hierdie studie het ten doel gehad om die spel van Basotho-kinders met ontwikkelingsagterstande wat in hulpbronbeperkte gemeenskappe in Suid-Afrika woon vanuit hul versorgers se perspektief te verken. Dit het ondersoek (a) waarmee hulle speel (Manuskrip 1), en (b) hoekom, hoe en waar hulle speel (Manuskrip 2). Twaalf Basotho-versorgers van kinders met ontwikkelingsagterstande is doelbewus gekies om aan twee fokusgroepe deel te neem. Die bevindinge het gelei tot n beter ekokulturele begrip oor die toegang tot speelgoed en speelmateriaal, spesifiek die (1) beskikbaarheid, (2) bekostigbaarheid, (3) toeganklikheid, (4) aanvaarbaarheid en (5) akkommodasie van speelgeleenthede. Versorgers het insig gegee oor hoekom kinders speel (sensoriese stimulasie, emosionele regulering, en ontwikkeling), hoe kinders speel (die sigbaarheid van hul gestremdheid, spesifieke belangstellings, en speelmaats), en waar hulle speel (by hul huis). Sodanige insigte het bygedra tot die begrip van die spel by kinders met ontwikkelingsagterstande wat in hulpbronbeperkte gemeenskappe woon. Hierdie begrip is noodsaaklik vir die uitvoerbaarheid van vroeë intervensies vir kinders wat ook respekvol en kultureel sensitief is vir hul unieke kontekste.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D. (Child Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2022
Keywords
Outisme, versorgers, ontwikkelingsagterstande, ekokulturele perspektief, spel, speelmateriaal, speelgoed, Suid-Afrika, Wêreldgesondheidsorganisasie Caregiver Skills Training (WGO CST) program, Autism, caregivers, developmental disabilities, ecocultural perspective, play, play materials, toys, South Africa, World Health Organization Caregiver Skills Training (WHO CST) programme
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