A qualitative analysis of the efficacy of the Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism
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Published Version
Date
2020-05
Authors
Lynch, Paddy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
In light of recent changes to diagnostic criteria and increased knowledge around the subject, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become far more prevalent in society over the last two decades. For children who are diagnosed, ASD causes difficulties in communication and developing relationships and can have a profound effect on one’s ability to function in the world around them. It can also be a huge burden for parents both emotionally and financially, as treatment and therapies can be extremely costly. Furthermore, children with ASD often receive diagnoses of other disorders, such as anxiety disorders. The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism (RCCCA) was founded in 2015 in response to the lack of services at the
disposal of families with a diagnosis of ASD. It runs social groups for children, as well as therapies such as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy for example. It also aims to help families through parental support groups. This study seeks to use thematic analysis to evaluate the quality of the service being run and ways it can improve in the future.
One employee of the RCCCA, a former service user with ASD, and a mother of a child with ASD who attends the club were interviewed. The themes identified show the major social and personal benefits children avail of from the club as well as the great sense of community which helps children and families to thrive. However, the restrictions being placed on the club financially are significant and are holding the club back somewhat. In all, the service offered by the club is highly satisfactory and backed by research, but the growth of the club from this point forward is reliant on further funding being made available.
Description
Keywords
Rainbow Club , Autism Spectrum Disorder , ASD , RCCCA
Citation
Lynch, P. (2020) A qualitative analysis of the efficacy of the Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism. Cork: Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork.