Date of Conferral

7-21-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

Hadi Danawi

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that presents significant challenges for children and families in Ghana, where resources remain limited. Grounded in the social ecological model, this quantitative cross-sectional study examined the associations between autism management programs and wellbeing, defined briefly as independent functioning in daily life and learning of autism patients enrolled in selected institutions in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Data were collected from N=122 autism patients using structured questionnaires that were completed by caregivers and program staff. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess relationships between program type, regional location, and years of enrollment and wellbeing while controlling for age and sex. Findings indicated children who received a combination of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and speech and language therapy demonstrated higher levels of wellbeing compared to those receiving ABA alone (Adjusted OR (AOR)= 4.2, 95% CI [1.10–15.10], p = 0.028). Years of enrollment (p = .885) and regional location, unadjusted (p = .866) were not associated with wellbeing. These findings suggest integrated therapeutic approaches may enhance functional independence, communication, and daily living skills among children with autism in Ghana. The study contributes to the research on autism interventions in low resource settings, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary programs. Implications for social change include informing policy development, guiding resource allocation, and supporting establishment of comprehensive autism management centers that can improve long term outcomes for individuals with autism.

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