An investigation of the opinions and suggestions of parents and teachers about the teaching of play skills to children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the opinions and suggestions of parents who have children with between the ages of three and seven who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the teachers working with them. A semi-structured interview form was prepared and the final version was validated by seven experts in the field. Easily-accessible case sampling method was applied to determine the participants. Interviews were conducted with 15 selected parents and 15 teachers. The data obtained from the opinions were analyzed descriptively. The findings showed that both parents and teachers defined the play skills as an activity that supports the child s developmental areas. The demonstration of the play skills of children with ASD shows that they find teaching various skills and concepts through games necessary, as well as supporting the play development area of the child. Finally, both parents and teachers were found to need visual material for the teaching of play skills to the child diagnosed with ASD.