Examining the effectiveness of the teacher training programme created for the eclectic education model of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this research is to examine the effectiveness of an eclectic teacher training program according to views of teachers. The programme which is for special education teachers working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), has been prepared by combining four Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Behavioral Support (PBS), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH). The research has been conducted as action research design in qualitative research model. The participants of the research consist of 25 special education teachers, who worked with students with ASD in special education practice schools and special education classes in Selçuklu, Karatay, Meram, Karapınar and Seydişehir districts of Konya province in the 2022-2023 academic year, attended the training courses prepared on the eclectic method, transferred their experiences to the classroom environment and tested this model in their classrooms for an average of three months. Semi-structured interview form was used as data collection tool. The research data has been analyzed in depth by using descriptive analysis method. According to the obtained findings, it has been determined that one out of three special education teachers in the research have not previously received any ASDspecific training. The conducted training activities and classroom practices revealed that the eclectic teacher training program has enhanced the participants' knowledge and experience about ASD and enabled them to understand the EBPs from the first-hand and apply them in the classroom. The eclectic teacher training program has been useful for teachers to facilitate the acquisition of self-care skills by stduents with ASD and to teach academic and social skills to them. Last but not least it has been determined that the teacher training program has been effective in helping teachers overcome the problem behaviors of students with ASD and contributed to teachers in creating ASD-friendly classroom environments by structuring educational environments in a holistic way thanks to the experiences they have gained. Keywords: Autism, Evidence-Based Practices, Eclectic Education Program, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Picture Exchange Communication System, Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children, Positive Behavioral Support, Teacher Training Programme,