Abstract:
This study examined the challenges associated with adults with autism spectrum of behavior patterns in Uasin County, Kenya. The researchers noted with concern that literature reviewed, media and advocacy groups concentrate on childhood autistic experiences ignoring adults. This study adopted qualitative research design, phenomenological method. The sampling procedures were non-probability. The techniques used were criterion and snowball. A total of 30 participants were selected. The sample was drawn from spouses, siblings, parents and colleagues of adults who exhibited autistic spectrum of behavior patterns. The instruments of data collection included a biographical data form, a blank sheet of paper and interviews. Content analysis method was used in analyzing data collected. Gist and verbatim methods were used to report the results. The data analyzed revealed 12 challenges exhibited by adults as follows: Failure to make friends with peers, problems with communication, stereotypical, compulsive, ritualistic and sameness behaviors, failure to enjoy touch, failure to pay attention, restricted behavior, self-injury, little empathy, faulty sensory integration and toileting problems. The study concluded that there is need for dissemination of this information to the society in order to reduce the suffering, emotional pain and frustration that results from failure to understand adults affected by autism.
