Investigating the Effects of Sensory Development Support Program Prepared for Mothers on Sensory and Social Development of Children with Autism

Background: Autistic children are the children experiencing sensory problems most. So, the fact that the autistic children should be supported in respect to sensory aspects, and can explore and perceive their environment accurately, and can establish social interactions with other people nearby is of great importance. Aim: This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of the sensory development support programme prepared for mothers on sensory and social development of children with autism. Methods: The study was carried out between the dates of February 2020 and June 2021 as pre-test, post-test and retention test with control groups test pattern in primary schools and Private Training and Rehabilitation Centres, which have autism classes for children diagnosed as autistic and which are situated in Batman Province. The study was completed with 26 mothers (11 test, 15 control) who have children with autism and aged 7-10. The data were collected using Personal Information Form, Sensory Assessment Form for Children with Autism and Autism Social Skill Profile-Turkish Form. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: When the changes in average scores of sensory scores of autistic children in test group (Test(post-test-pre-test) =-21,81<Control(post-tests-pre-tests)=-4.40) were considered, it was concluded that after the application of Sensory Development Support Program, the joint effects of the sensory assessment scores of the children taking part in test and control groups on social skill scores were found statistically significant (p<0.05) Conclusion: It was determined that the sensory development support program applied to mothers was found to be effective on sensory and social development of children with autism.