Evaluation of parents' and teachers' views on the role of education in the socialization of children with autism: Yalova example

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as impaired social communication and interaction, repetitive, restricted, stereotypic behaviors, speech impairment and inability to make eye contact. ASD is a disorder whose prevalence is increasing every year and whose cause or causes are not yet fully understood. Research and studies are being conducted in various fields such as medicine, psychiatry, biology, education, psychology, social work and sociology on its causes and effects on the individual, family and society, and its treatment, rehabilitation and education methods. Since ASD is a condition that makes it difficult for children to communicate with and understand other people, it causes problems in socialization, learning social norms, using appropriate concepts in communication, understanding and responding to language, gestures and metaphors. In this study, it is tried to find an answer about the contribution of early and intensive education, providing education with appropriate educators and in appropriate educational environments, ensuring that families and teachers are knowledgeable and conscious about this issue, and ensuring the continuity of their needs and well-being to the education and development of children with ASD. This study deals with ASD in the axis of child, family, educator and society and focuses on the methods and approaches that can be effective in the socialization of children with ASD, and the changes and developments observed from the perspective of the family and educator within the framework of various theories. In addition, with approaches such as system theory, eco-system, empowerment approach, problem-solving approach, and bio-psycho-socio-spiritual approach, it aims to show that it is possible to achieve what is desired with the effective work and interaction of each sub-part of the system from individual to society in order to achieve better for the individual and society. In line with the stated objectives, the study is a phenomenological study designed in qualitative research method. In the study, in line with purposeful sampling, interviews were conducted with 10 parents of children with ASD and 10 teachers/ trainers. The interview forms were semi-structured interview forms and the questions were prepared by the researcher. The data obtained were analyzed with the help of the MAXQDA 2022 program and examined within the scope of three main themes and sub-themes related to these themes. As a result of this analysis, it was seen that the socialization skills of children with ASD improved at varying rates according to the degree of ASD with their inclusion in the education process. In terms of parents and teachers, the problems experienced in the education process, issues to be considered, student achievements and their opinions and views on the need for social services were revealed. Finally, these opinions were evaluated from a social work perspective and necessary recommendations were made.