Difficulties faced by children with autism spectrum disorders after an earthquake: a study from parents’ perspectives

The February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake severely affected 11 provinces in Türkiye, disrupting services for vulnerable groups. This research aims to examine the difficulties that children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face in education, health, and social support services from the parental perspective following the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023. The research used a basic qualitative research method and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 parents residing in Malatya, which was affected by the earthquake. The data obtained were examined with content analysis method. Students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have been found to experience significant declines in their educational performance, health routines (in adapting to them) and basic skills such as going to the toilet, eating and self-care. At the same time, parents faced difficulties in accessing health and social services. As a result of the research, it was determined that the interruption of the daily routines of children diagnosed with ASD and their alienation from their social environments after the disaster increased behavioral and emotional problems. It was emphasized that alternative education models should be developed for children diagnosed with ASD during disaster periods and families should be encouraged to take an active role in this process. Following disasters, ABA practices, mobile tools and teletherapy should be integrated into technology-based disaster response policies to continue ASD training and therapy.