Psychosocial role of the coaching system on the individual and family in autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with inadequate social communication and interaction, limited and repetitive behavior patterns and restriction in daily life functions. The prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorders is increasing in the world and Turkey. This has led to an increasing number of studies in education, therapy and treatment methods for autism spectrum disorder. Coaching is a system that configures all areas of life of an individual with autism spectrum disorder as role models. In coaching system, self-care skills, behavioral difficulties and social interaction are studied. The aim of this study is to explore the coaching system and the psychosocial role of the coaching system in individuals and their families in autism spectrum disorder. Qualitative research method was used in this research. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 20 people, 10 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder who benefited from the coaching system and 10 coaching practitioners working in the field of autism spectrum disorder. Snowball and criterion sampling methodology were used for sample selection. The data obtained were transcribed and interpreted according to the predefined themes in accordance with the descriptive analysis approach. In the light of the findings, it was found that the coaching system in the autism spectrum disorder developed solutions for many problem areas of the individuals and their families with autism spectrum disorders and increased their psychosocial well-being. A model has been developed for the state-supported implementation of the coaching system.