Examining the effects of Covid-19 pandemic process on families who have a child with autism spectrum disorder

The coronavirus which emerged in Wuhan, China at the end of December 2019 affected the whole world in a short time. The effects of the pandemic process that started with the coronavirus still continue. In this study, it was aimed to examine the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic process on families who have a child with autism spectrum disorder. For this purpose, the feelings and thoughts of the mothers and fathers interviewed in the study, about the pandemic measures, the effects of the pandemic on their family life, the effects of the pandemic on their children and the support to be provided in the event of such a situation in the future were determined as sub-objectives and answers were sought. The participants of the study consisted of 15 people, 3 fathers and 12 mothers, who live in Kırklareli and have a child with autism spectrum disorder. The research is qualitative research in which the phenomenological design is used. Research data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis method. According to the research findings, the pandemic and its measures caused parents to have negative feelings and thoughts in general. There have been some changes in family life in eating and sleeping patterns. In this process, families have taken various measures to protect their health, such as masks, following the distance and hygiene rules, taking vitamins and food supplements. While the social life and communication of the families were generally negatively affected, they tried to contribute to education by making various studies because they could not participate in distance education and online classes in the education of their children. Although they did not generally have problems in meeting care and needs, there were also some difficulties. They stated that the pandemic generally changed their children's routines, there was an increase in problem behaviors, they tried various ways to cope with problem behaviours, there were regressions in their academic and social development and children got used to masks and cleaning. In the event of such a situation in the future, they suggested that educational institutions should not be closed and education should not be interrupted, that health services should be facilitated, and families should be provided with financial and informative support. In line with the findings of the research, suggestions were given to legislators, practice and further research.