Examination of the effect of parental attitudes on the behavior of children with special needs and typically developing 48-69 months old children

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of parental attitudes on the behavior of 48–69-month-old children with special needs and typically developing children. Other aims of the research, which was conducted in accordance with the relational screening model, are to determine whether parents' attitudes and children's behaviors differ according to the demographic characteristics of the parent and the characteristics of the child. The population of this research is 48-69 months old special needs and typically developing children and their families in the Esenyurt district of Istanbul. This research will include hearing impaired, mentally disabled, orthopedically disabled, special needs individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, language and speech difficulties, and families of typically developing individuals. The sample group of the research consists of 302 children and their families who were selected by purposeful sampling method and volunteered to participate in the research. Scales and surveys will be applied to children and their families, using Rehabilitation Centers and Preschool Institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. Data of the research; In this research, Informed Voluntary Consent Form, Sociodemographic form, Parental Attitude Scale, Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scale, Strength and Difficulties Survey will be used as data collection tools. During the research process, the data obtained for children with special needs aged 48-69 months and typically developing children and their families will be analyzed in the SPSS-25 statistical program. In this context, firstly the frequencies and percentages regarding the personal information of the participants will be calculated. At the end of the research, the study found no significant difference in the democratic, authoritarian, and permissive attitudes among the participating children. However, children with special needs scored significantly higher in the overprotective attitude dimension compared to typically developing children. Additionally, no significant results were obtained in the total scores for behavioral problems and strengths and difficulties behaviors. When considering the impact of demographic variables on the scores of participating children, it was determined that parental attitudes did not show a significant difference based on child gender, income level, or age group, but did significantly vary depending on parental education level and family type. In terms of child behaviors, significant differences were found based on child gender, whereas no significant differences were found based on income level, parental education level, parental age, or family type. Finally, it was determined that democratic, authoritarian, and permissive attitudes were predictive of child behaviors in typically developing children, while democratic, authoritarian, and overprotective parental attitudes were predictive of child behaviors in children with special needs.