Tele-delivered caregiver coaching for autism in South Africa – A mixed-methods study of acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility - Summary - MDSpire

Tele-delivered caregiver coaching for autism in South Africa – A mixed-methods study of acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility

  • By

  • Marisa Viljoen

  • Zahrah Ismail Dawood

  • Noleen Seris

  • Nokuthula Shabalala

  • Minkateko Ndlovu

  • Petrus J de Vries

  • Lauren Franz

  • June 11, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of a tele-delivered caregiver coaching intervention for autism in low-resource settings in South Africa.

Key Findings:
  • The adapted tele-delivery approach was found to be acceptable and feasible for families in low-resource settings, with WhatsApp facilitating effective communication and coaching sessions.
Interpretation:

The study highlights the importance of adapting telehealth interventions to fit the digital context of low- and middle-income countries, ensuring accessibility for families and suggesting directions for future research.

Limitations:
  • The study's findings may not be generalizable beyond the specific context of Cape Town, South Africa, and the reported technical issues could affect the implementation of similar interventions.
Conclusion:

The transition to tele-delivery of caregiver coaching for autism in South Africa demonstrates potential for addressing service gaps in low-resource settings, emphasizing the need for further exploration in similar contexts.

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