Opinions of preschool teachers who have students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder regarderding the teaching of social skills

The research was conducted to determine the opinions and recommendations of teachers of preschool children with ASD regarding children's social skills and teaching social skills. 16 preschool teachers who worked in preschool education institutions in Istanbul in the 2022-2023 academic year and have students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in their classes participated in the research. This research carried out with the qualitative research method. The data of the research was collected using interview, observation and document review methods. The data of the research was analyzed using the descriptive analysis technique. Themes were created as a result of semi-structured interviews with teachers. According to the findings of the research, students with autism mostly experience difficulties in communicating with their peers and problem behaviors. The teacher generally targets the skills of communicating, playing and participating in games, and inclusion in peer groups for students with autism. Teachers have difficulties in teaching social skills due to the problem behaviours of the students and they have tried solutions such as cooperation with the family, getting support from teachers, and trying different methods to overcome these difficulties. Teachers stated that progress was made in children with ASD after one year of education, but not at the desired level in some skills. Some teachers also stated that children with ASD made a little progress, while some teachers stated that children with ASD did not make any progress.