EXPLORING COMMON CO-OCCURRING CONDITIONS LIKE ADHD, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND EPILEPSY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AND HOW TO MANAGE THESE ADDITIONAL CHALLENGES
EXPLORING COMMON CO-OCCURRING CONDITIONS LIKE ADHD, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND EPILEPSY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AND HOW TO MANAGE THESE ADDITIONAL CHALLENGES
Dr. Norman Kiogora
ABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often co-occurs with a range of additional conditions that can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Among the most common co-occurring conditions are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and epilepsy. These conditions can significantly impact the overall well-being and developmental progress of individuals with autism. ADHD, characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often exacerbates challenges in managing daily tasks, focusing in educational settings, and regulating behavior. Anxiety and depression are prevalent among individuals with autism, contributing to social withdrawal, emotional distress, and difficulty coping with changes or sensory overload. Epilepsy, occurring in a significant subset of individuals with autism, can result in seizures that disrupt cognitive development and daily functioning. Managing these additional challenges requires an integrated, individualized approach that addresses both the core symptoms of autism and the co-occurring conditions. Early diagnosis of co-occurring conditions is essential to developing comprehensive treatment plans. For ADHD, behavioral therapies, structured routines, and, in some cases, medication can help manage impulsivity and attention deficits. Anxiety and depression may be addressed through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and, when appropriate, medication to stabilize mood and reduce anxiety. Epilepsy management typically includes antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), along with close monitoring of seizure activity and potential side effects. An interdisciplinary approach involving clinicians, educators, therapists, and families is crucial to providing holistic care. By focusing on the unique needs of individuals with autism and their co-occurring conditions, strategies can be developed to improve functioning, promote emotional well-being, and enhance overall quality of life. Early intervention, personalized treatment, and ongoing support are essential in addressing the complexities of managing autism with co-occurring conditions.
KISE-EXPO 2024 REPORT
The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)
ABSTRACT
Specialized learning materials, Assistive devices and technology have the power to transform lives, enabling individuals living with special needs and disabilities to access education, independence, and participation in society. With over 2.5 billion people globally requiring at least one assistive device, the need for innovative solutions is clear. The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) organized the KISE-Expo 2024 on the 5th and 6th of September, 2024, providing an essential platform for stakeholders manufacturers, users, and policymakers to come together. The expo promoted awareness, partnerships, and the development of inclusive solutions that enhance the quality of life for persons living with special needs and disabilities.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSITIVE ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN EMOTIONS AND VOTING BEHAVIOUR AMONG VOTERS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSITIVE ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN EMOTIONS AND VOTING BEHAVIOUR AMONG VOTERS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY
Mwanza Lawrence Maingi - Master of Community Psychology in the Department of Psychology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. Geoffrey Wango - Psychology Department, University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Much of politics is emotional. People respond to political objects emotionally, and these emotional reactions can have an impact on people’s behaviour and attitudes. Political campaigns are saturated with emotional appeals and try to evoke negative and positive emotions among the electorate. The purpose of this study was to examined the relationship between electoral campaign emotions and voting behaviour among voters in Machakos County. The study objective was to assess the relationship between positive electoral campaign emotions and voting behaviour among voters. This study adopted a correlational research design. Stratified sampling was used to select 400 respondents from 8 electoral wards in Machakos County. Demographic variables of the respondents were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to show the strength of the relationship between positive electoral campaign emotions and voting behaviour among voters. A regression analysis was used to assess the association between the variables and describe the relationship in percentages. Regression was used to show how gender, age, marital status, employment status, religion, education level, ethnicity, and monthly income contribute to the voting behaviour among voters in Machakos County. The results revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between positive emotions and voting behaviour among the voters, where negative emotions were found to significantly predict voting behaviour. Moreover, marital status, education level and monthly income statistically significantly influenced the relationship between positive voting emotions and voting behaviour. The study concluded that positive electoral campaign emotions significantly predict the voting behaviour of registered voters in Machakos County. The study recommended that strong social sensitization should be carried out by community organizations and electoral commissions to encourage female voters and young people to take part in elections.
THE IMPACT OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGEMENT IN ENHANCING LIQUIDITY OF THE ENERGY SECTOR COMPANIES IN GHANA
THE IMPACT OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGEMENT IN ENHANCING LIQUIDITY OF THE ENERGY SECTOR COMPANIES IN GHANA
Stephen Gbambil Tobazaa - Accra Institute of Technology (AIT), Department of Business, Accra, Ghana
John Gartchie Gatsi - University of Cape Coast, Ghana
ABSTRACT
This study examines the impact of accounts payable management on the liquidity of energy sector companies in Ghana, focusing on two key indicators: Days Payables Outstanding (DPO) and Accounts Payable Turnover (APT). Using a quantitative research approach and secondary data extracted from published annual reports of selected firms between 2014 and 2022, the study also evaluates the moderating role of the Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) in the relationship between payables practices and liquidity, measured through the Current Ratio (CR) and Quick Ratio (QR). Descriptive statistics reveal considerable variability in payables and liquidity practices, with some firms exhibiting extremely high DPO and APT values. Correlation analysis indicates a strong positive relationship between APT and both liquidity measures, while DPO shows a weak negative correlation. Regression results affirm that APT significantly enhances both QR and CR, especially when moderated by a longer CCC, underscoring the importance of proactive and timely payables turnover in liquidity management. In contrast, DPO and CCC alone do not significantly influence liquidity. The findings suggest that merely extending payment periods is insufficient for improving liquidity. Instead, strategically managing APT, particularly under extended working capital cycles, offers more sustainable liquidity benefits. The study recommends that energy firms in Ghana adopt APT as a key performance indicator and align payment schedules with operational cash flows to enhance financial stability and supplier relationships.
MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT TO QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN KIAMBU COUNTY
MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT TO QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN KIAMBU COUNTY
Bernard Mwangi - Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, School of Education, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Peter Nyaga Muchanje - Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
The overall performance of students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution in Kenya and in particular Kiambu County has raised concerns due to continued decline in performance of students in Kenya national Examinations Council modular examinations and completion rate. It was noted that in 2015, Technical Training Institutions' mean grade was 68.7%, 57.9% in 2016, 50.2% in 2017, 43.7% in 2018, and 41.8% in 2019. Besides, completion rate in TVET has also been low, averaging 72.62% Per Anum compared to the global average of 82.13%. The situation is replicated in Kiambu County which has an average completion rate of 65% which is below the national average of 70%. This phenomenon has raised concerns about the commitment on the management of these institutions to implement quality management practices. Since the quality management practices in these institutions are implemented by the management, it implies that their commitment to implementation directly influences their adoption and institutions’ performance. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between management’s commitment to quality management practices and students' performance in TVET institutions in Kiambu county, Kenya. The study was anchored on the Kaizens’ theory. The study used a correlational research design with a population of 5285 respondents including 45 principals of TVET institutions, 45 examination officers, 145 head of departments, 250 trainers and 4800 students sampled across the 45 TVET institutions. The Institutions were categorised as the Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), the Technical and Vocational Colleges (TVCs), and National Polytechnics (NPs). Nine institutions were selected through a stratified random sampling while simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 578 respondents among heads of departments and examination officers. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics. Pearson correlation was used to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between the variables. From the findings, the study revealed a strong positive correlation between management commitment to quality management practices and students' performance 0.696 (p < 0.05). It was thus concluded that a highly committed management team would have a strong positive and significant influence on students’ performance in TVET institutions in Kiambu County. This study therefore recommended that the government should enhance management commitment to quality management practices. This may include investing in leadership development programs, fostering a culture of participation and collaboration among staff, and implementing initiatives to improve stakeholder engagement and service delivery.