Investigating severity of autism spectrum disorder and level of parental stress and needs

In this study, the severity level of autism spectrum disorder and levels of the parental stress and needs were studied. In the study descriptive and correlational comparative survey were used. The population of the study, children who live in Turkey, İzmir, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and were pre evaluated develeopmentally in a special education center. In total, 75 parents were participated; 37 of (% 49.3) participants were mothers, 38 ( % 50.7) of participants were fathers. In the study, for the personal info 'Personal Info Sheet', for the autism spectrum disorder level 'Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2 Turkish Version (GARS-2), for the parental need condition 'Parent Need Determination Scale (PNDS)' and forthe parental stress level 'Stress Scale' were used. During the data analysis, results show that parents of children with autism have moderate level stress and they need the knowledge most. Besides, the stereotypic behaviors of children with autism result regression to stress in parents.