Single Parenthood and Management of Special Needs Children- Autism and Down Syndrome in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Single parenthood remains one of the most talked about phenomenon across all tribes, race and social status in the world today. Reasons for this continually increasing trend are diverse including death of a spouse, unwanted pregnancy and personal reasons to raise a child while stay unmarried among others. While this inclination is appearing popular and may continue to gain acceptance in most part of the world, it melts numerous social problems that impact on the single parent, child/children and the society at large. This study examines the relationship existing between single parenthood and management of special needs children in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve this goal, the study adopted quantitative research method using questionnaire to generate data from consented participants. A cross-sectional survey design was used and simple random techniques employ to select participants for the study. A sample size of 36 respondents (19 children/single parents with autistic children and 17 children/ single parents having children with down syndrome) were drown from two (2) schools namely Special Education School, Calabar and Hillcrest Special Needs Model School Calabar. Data obtained were analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 21 and result presented in simple percentage. Findings from the analyzed data showed that lack of awareness, late identification and diagnoses of symptoms, psychological and financial, stress and inadequate access as well as paucity of reliable professional information and support limit their care for their child with autism and Down syndrome. It was recommended among others that stakeholders should intensify efforts in educating the public and single parents on the peculiarities of this life-long health challenges faced by special needs children so that actions are taken early enough in their managements, Funds should be made available through the National Health Insurance Scheme or interest free loans or grants to single parents with special needs children to enable them carry on the responsibilities of managing their children, Care homes, dormitories, professionals and skilled manpower should be made available to help cater for the needs of special needs children thereby giving their parents leverage to pursue their life goals, Social workers should also advocate for these categories of persons for a better living by attracting donor agencies to them.