Browsing by Author "Wijerathne, L."

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Challenges Faced by Parents of Children with Autism when Attending Social Functions: A Comparison between Colombo and Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, 2014) Weerarathne, L.R.N.C.; Wijerathne, L.
Autism is a much discussed topic in the world today. Children with Autism find social situations very challenging and may avoid interactions altogether (Cumine, et al, 2000). Matson et al (2012) have said, ‘Although the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders are universally accepted; the reported severity of symptoms and the manifestation of symptoms may be sensitive to cultural differences’. Therefore the findings of research that have been conducted in other countries focusing on the social aspect of autism and related parental experiences cannot be generalized to Sri Lanka. However, there is no research available in Sri Lanka focusing this topic. Using the phenomenological qualitative research design, the purpose of this study was to identify the challenges experienced by the parents, when attending social functions with their children who have autism and are in the ‘early communicator stage’ and strategies used to overcome them, in selected areas in Colombo and Kurunegala districts in Sri Lanka. Data were collected through semi structured interviews held at two sites (Colombo & Kurunegala) using eight participants. By using an inductive research approach, two main themes were identified: (1) ‘Challenges Experienced’ by the parents (2) ‘Coping Strategies’. The two sub-themes identified under challenges were ‘challenges related to child’s behaviour’ and ‘challenges related to social inclusion’. The two sub-themes found under coping strategies were ‘self-developed strategies’ and ‘strategies that have been recommended by professionals’. It was found that participants from both districts experienced similar challenges although the strategies that they used to overcome them were different.
Developing a tool to screen for disability among pre-school children: preliminary results
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2014) Perera, K.M.N.; Wijerathne, L.; Jayasinghe, C.; Kasturiratne, A.; Hettiarachchi, S.; Fonseka, R.; Jayasena, B.N.; Siriwardhena, D.; Godamunne, P.; Dahanayake, W.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a tool that can be used by pre-school teachers to identify disabilities in the pre-school age group. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team was formed and the initial tool was developed^ Consensual validity was achieved by using nominal group technique and the tool was pre-tested in the Ragama MOH area. To assure criterion validity, the tool was used to screen all the children in the pre-school age group (2-5 years) in an MOH area randomly selected from the Anuradhapura District. The screened positives .were referred to an expert panel for confirmation of diagnosis and follow-up if required. RESULTS: Thousand nine hundred children were invited for screening and 1536 participated (478 2-3 years, 495 3-years, 560 > 4 years of age) and 267 (17.4%) were referred to the expert panel. Out of the referrals, majority (38.9%) had multiple disabilities. Hearing and speech difficulties were seen in (29.6%). Psycho social problems (11.6%), disabilities and other diseases (19.8%) accounted for the rest. The response rate for confirmation by experts was 64%. The predictive value of a positive test was 79.5%. The prevalence of disabilities among the screened pre-school age group was 88 per 1000 (95% Cl= 74 to 103). CONCLUSIONS: This tool can be used to screen children in the pre-school age for disabilities.
Disability in medical officer of health area, Ragama: prevalence and extent of handicap
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Abeysena, C.; Jayawardana, P.; Wijerathne, L.