Abstract:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes social interaction limitations such as initiating and maintaining communication. After their child is diagnosed with ASD, the lives of parents change, and they may need help in matters such as living independently, and guidance regarding their children and themselves. For this situation parents receive various services. In Turkey, individuals with ASD and their families are provided with both supportive education and different services carried out by the ministries regarding the needs of families. The Ministry of Family Social Services (MoFSS) is one of the institutions that provides various services to individuals with ASD and their families. In line with the Autism Action Plan published by MoFSS, institutions were opened under the name of “Autism Day Care Rehabilitation and Family Counseling Center” (ADRFCS), which only serves individuals with ASD and their families. In these relatively new opened centers, various services such as family counseling and day care are provided. The aim of this study is to examine the views of parents about the services they receive from ADRFCS for their children with ASD. The case study design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. Seven participants, including six mothers and one father, took part in the study, and the data obtained were analyzed through descriptive analysis. It has been determined that parents receive educational, social and guidance services from the centers, find these services useful but limited, and offer suggestions for improvement.

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