Abstract
Early identification is significant as the sooner a disorder or disability is identified the sooner early interventions can begin. During the apartheid regime, white learners with disabilities had sufficient access to resources whereas non-white learners with disabilities in marginalised communities had insufficient resources. This study aims to identify whether historically marginalised communities in the Western Cape have access to early identification and interventions regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The study made use of a qualitative research approach, using semi-structured interviews to collect data. The research findings were analysed using thematic analysis. The results of the data collected determine that ASD resources are available but historically marginalised communities are struggling to access them due to poor referrals and communication, long waiting lists and the extremely high costs associated with private practitioners. The data collected also highlights that there is a shortage of knowledge regarding ASD in historically marginalised communities. Consequently, historically marginalised communities do not have sufficient access to early identification and interventions for ASD learners. Key Words: Autism Spectrum Disorder; early identification; early intervention; historically marginalised; access to resources; availability of resources.
M.Ed. (Educational Psychology)