ASSESSING THE VIEWS OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DOING SPORTS ON THEIR EXPOSURE

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the views of families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder doing sports on their exposure. The study was conducted using the phenomenologic design and qualitative method. Study group of the study consisted of families of eight individuals diagnosed with autism doing sports for at least one year, who were selected via “convenience sampling” which is among purposeful sampling methods. The data were collected with a semi-structured personal interview form grounded on literature review, expert opinions and pilot application. The data collected were analyzed with content analysis technique. Questions in the interview form were developed for determining whether there would be positive developments and changes in mental, emotional and social areas of families. According to the study findings; it was determined that there were many positive developments and changes in mental, emotional and social areas of families.