Training Home Safety Skills to Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multilevel Mixed Study

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are known to experience emotional hypo/hypersensitivity, aside from exhibiting restricted and repetitive behaviors. These behaviors prevent them from perceiving and simultaneously responding to environmental stimuli, meaning that they may not notice potential hazards. Children with ASD are in the risk group for home accidents, being unaware of the hazards, and are therefore open to environmental risks. The aim of this study is to determine the needs of families that have children with ASD for home safety skills and to test the effectiveness of the training program prepared. Qualitative, quantitative, and quantitative levels were carried out sequentially in this study conducted with a multilevel mixed design. The findings of the qualitative and quantitative levels revealed that the families were content with taking measures regarding only home accidents, and they were insufficient in providing education. In the last level, the program was effective in the experimental group, and the awareness of the families increased in the interviews. The program, which also aims to prevent home accidents to which children with special needs are exposed, can be applied to children with and without developmental disability through instructive booklets, animations, and videos.