The opinions of the grandparents who have grandchildren with autism spectrum disorder about experiences with them

The purpose of this research is to state the knowledge and personal opinions of grandparents having grandchildren with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the period of diagnosis, the education of the grandchildren with ASD, the feelings about ASD, the support that is given to their children and the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren with ASD. The method of the research is qualitative and it has been analyzed by using inductive analysis steps. Semi-structured interviews with 10 volunteer grandparents who have grandchildren with ASD have been organized in Ereğli, Konya. In collecting data, Participant Data Form and Interview Questions with 14 questions prepared by the researcher were used. The research showed that although the grandparents have the least knowledge about ASD, they have been the first to realize that their grandchildren have ASD. The grandparents have the same intense positive feelings with the parents and also they believe in recovering of the grandchildren. They have reported that they are in social interaction with grandchildren with ASD. They have also expressed that they provide not only material but also moral support for their children. They have said that they have expectations about their grandchildren's freedom and they have positive opinions education of their grandchildren with ASD. As a result, in this research it has been adviced that phsychological support for the grandparents, the information about ASD, the characteristics of the grandchildren with ASD, the care of the grandchildren with ASD, helping their own children and having time with their grandchildren should be given to the grandparent.