Seeing an invisible child : using different therapeutic modalities in counselling children with autism

Abstract

This study explores counselling in relation to children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This research was conducted using a qualitative research methodology. Prior commencing the research, a pre-research study was conducted. This was intended to generate information on the local scenario. The information was collected from three interviews with professionals who are knowlegable in the field of ASD. The feedback from the interviews sewed to draft the semistructured interview for the research study. For the semistructured interview seven participants were recruited in order to gain insight into which therapeutic modalities can be adopted and how this client population can benefit from counselling. Data from the semistructured interview was analysed using thematic analysis and themes and sub-themes identified. The superordinate themes derived from the findings from the semistructured interviews were: (a) Pre-requisites for counselling children with ASD and, (b) Maximising effectiveness in counselling children with ASD. It was concluded that counselling can be an extra support for this client population especially if the practitioner adopts the person centred approach and incorporates tools such as nonverbal approaches and play therapeutic techniques among others. These should be used according to the needs of the client. Findings suggest that counselling can also be beneficial to the families as they may need to be emotionally supported through their journey with their child with autism.