Investigation of the experience of the parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder regarding evidence-based and non-evidence-based practices implemented with their children

The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of parents of individuals with ASD regarding evidence-based and non-evidence-based practices implemented with their children. In this context, participants were asked about all practices they have used for their children with ASD since the diagnosis process, and data was collected on topics such as the participants' thoughts on whether these practices were evidence-based, the effects of the practices they used on their lives, the ways they obtained information about the practices, and the difficulties they encountered during the implementation process. In the study, a case study, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The participants of the study were determined by non-probability purposeful sampling technique, and a pilot interview was conducted with two people, one residing in Ankara and the other in Eskişehir, and nine participants were studied. In the study, semi-structured interviews, observations and researcher diaries were used together, and thus, it was aimed to collect comprehensive data from the participants. Data analysis yielded 176 codes and by combining the codes, 38 categories and 5 themes were reached. The 5 themes obtained were; diagnosis process, implementation process, thoughts about the practices, effects of the practices and suggestions. It was determined that the expectations of the participant parents from the interveners were; elimination of their children's problem behaviors, support and development of their communication skills. It was found that the ways the participants obtained information about the evidence-based practices they applied for their children were; university instructors, articles, special education teachers. The research findings also indicated that the ways they obtained information about the practices that were not evidence-based were; social media channels, TV programs and other families. It has been concluded that parents of individuals with ASD do not have sufficient knowledge about evidence-based and non-evidence-based practices, that they need to be guided in order to choose appropriate and correct practices for their children with ASD, and that they should be informed about the educational process, especially at an early age, by the right people or institutions. Information activities should be carried out for parents of individuals with ASD about evidence-based and non-evidence-based practices. Authorities should ensure that press and media outlets and social media are not misled about practices targeting ASD. Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), parent experiences, evidence-based practices, non-evidence-based practices