“We Didn’t Know What to Do”: Experiences of search and rescue teams with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Natural disasters create disproportionate risks for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because emergency environments often involve sudden changes, sensory overload, disrupted routines, and communication demands. This qualitative study examined the experiences of search and rescue (SAR) personnel who interacted with individuals with ASD during and after earthquake-related rescue operations in Türkiye. A phenomenological design was used to explore the shared meanings of these experiences. Data were collected through a single online focus group conducted in two sessions with six SAR personnel selected through criterion-based purposive sampling. All participants had direct experience of interacting with individuals with ASD during disaster response. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Five main themes were identified: interaction with individuals with ASD during the disaster process; SAR experiences; challenges encountered in SAR operations; support requirements in SAR operations; and recommendations. The findings show that communication breakdowns, sensory and emotional distress, uncertainty about appropriate interaction strategies, limited family-professional coordination, andin sufficient ASD-related training shaped SAR personnel’s experiences. The study highlights the need to integrate autism-specific communication strategies, family-informed planning, inter-agency coordination, and disability-inclusive training into disaster preparedness and response systems. Although exploratory and context-specific, the findings offer practical implications for developing more inclusive emergency response practices in Türkiye and comparable disaster-prone contexts.