Attitudes of Preschool Teachers in Inclusive Education of Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors : Suat Şan, Duygu Yalman Polatlar

Pages : 292-317

View : 78 | Download : 73

Publication Date : 2025-07-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :It is known that autism spectrum disorder [ASD], which is diagnosed in early childhood and is characterized by inadequate social interaction and repetitive behaviors, is rapidly increasing all over the world. Teachers’ attitudes in early childhood directly affect the development of children with autism. The primary aim of this study is to reveal the attitudes of teachers despite this remarkable increase. The target group of this study consists of teachers of children with ASD A total of 283 participants responded to the questionnaires, 95% of whom are female teachers and 5% are male teachers. Relational survey model is preferred in the study. Teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education of children with autism showed a significant difference in terms of variables such as age, education level, professional seniority and seminar attendance. In the present study, the Personal Information Form, developed by the researcher, was employed as a data collection instrument. To assess teachers’ attitudes, the “Attitude Scale Toward the Inclusion of Children with Autism,” adapted by Demir and Aydın (2012), was utilized. According to the results of this study, having experience working with children with ASD is directly related to these attitudes. Preschool teachers have a positive attitude towards children with autism. Low attitudes are mainly characterized by lack of training and lack of teaching experience children with ASD. This finding is expected to provide a valuable perspective for future research and policymakers.
Keywords : Otizm spektrum bozukluğu, kapsayıcılık, okul öncesi öğretmeni, tutumlar

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