PARENTS' VIEWS OF THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON INDIVIDUALS WİTH SPECIAL NEEDS: THE CASE OF TURKEY

Abstract

This study investigates the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of individuals with special needs. In the research carried out with phenomenological research design, data were obtained online from 121 parents with children with special needs and live in 14 different cities in Turkey by means of an interview form consisting of open-ended questions developed by researchers. From the content analysis of the data, 8 themes have been reached, namely, education, health, social life, behavioral-emotional adaptation, physical condition, family communication, indoor activities and social supports and needs. According to the findings, parents stated most that during the pandemic process, social lives of children with special needs were restricted and their daily routines were disturbed, they could not benefit efficiently from distance learning, their behavioral problems such as tantrums and harming themselves and others increased, negative physical situations emerged like weight gain / loss and sleep disorders and stress increased in family communication. Parents indicated that they could do indoor activities with their children and that they do not have difficulties in accessing health services for their children. The majority of the parents stated that they needed psychological counseling, distance education services, financial support and also that they received the greatest support from their family members and teachers.