Teachers' knowledge about autism spectrum disorder: The case of Turkey

Rakap S., balıkçı S., Kalkan S.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, vol.7, no.4, pp.169-185, 2018 (ESCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 7 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.19128/turje.388398
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATION
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.169-185
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Teachers' knowledge and perceptions about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is found to be a critical component for the identification and education of children with ASD. This study examined Turkish general education teachers' knowledge and perceptions about ASD. A total of 478 general education teachers across four school types participated in the study. Data were collected using an online survey package. Results showed Turkish general education teachers across all school types and grade levels had limited knowledge and perceptions of autism. Findings show that there is an urgent need to develop professional development or certification programs to train teachers to work with children with ASD. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.