Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
Objectives: This study aims to examine the perspectives of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding their children’s care and educational needs. Methods: A semi-structured interview form was used in the study. The study group consisted of 15 mothers of children under the age of 18 diagnosed with ASD. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. During this process, the interviews were audio-recorded and note-taking, and the interview transcripts were then transcribed verbatim. The data were carefully read to create meaningful units and codes, and similar codes were combined into themes. The resulting themes were interpreted to holistically reflect the mothers’ experiences and perceptions of their children’s education and care needs. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data during the analysis, discussions were held among the researchers regarding coding consistency and theme consistency. Results: The data obtained in the study were presented under two themes: educational needs and care needs of children with ASD. Categories related to the themes and codes belonging to the categories were created. Conclusions: The results of the study revealed that mothers of children diagnosed with autism in the preschool period most needed access to accurate and reliable information about autism and appropriate referral support during the diagnosis process. In addition, it was found that mothers also needed to be informed and receive psychological support.