The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Autism Care Case Study: Sudan

This research aims to serve as a starting point to the exploration of the current status of autism in Sudan and how to best utilize available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to educate and support parents and educators. Currently, there is no official published data on the prevalence of autism in Sudan or the related available services and facilities. To attempt to expand upon the limited existing knowledge, the researcher collected all available data and information through Sudanese Facebook groups and pages. The research was observational in nature. Findings indicated that raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Sudan can be rather challenging, particularly for parents who do not have easy access to ASD treatment. In general, parents in this study expressed minimal satisfaction with the available treatments and services that their children were receiving. Parents repeatedly addressed problems regarding a lack of access, the overwhelming expense, and the need for more awareness and acceptance of autism within Sudanese society. In response to these issues, some of the parents formed small support groups and met regularly to share experiences and discuss solutions. Additionally, some parents are creating discrete Facebook pages to help normalize autism and combat misinformation.