A comparative study of play skills of mothers of children with autism, Down Syndrome and typical development

This study aims to compare the playing behaviours of mothers who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Down Syndrome (DS), and typically developing children. The study included a total of 30 mothers: 10 mothers with typically developing children aged 36-48 months attending special education and preschool institutions in the Sehitkamil and Sahinbey districts of Gaziantep province, 10 mothers with children with Down Syndrome in the same age group, and 10 mothers with children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The mother's play behaviours with their children in a structured environment with toys determined by the researcher were recorded, and the Play Skills Support Program Control List (PSSP-CL) was used to determined the mothers' play skills (Avgürt, 2021). The findings revealed no statistically significant difference between the age of mothers, educational status, working status, number of children and their play behaviours with their children. However, a significant difference was observed between the children's disability groups and the mothers' play skills. The results of the study emphasize the diversity of mother-child interactions for children with different developmental needs. The findings of this study could raise awareness among professionals in the field of special education and parents to better respond to the special needs of children.