The Effect of Applied Group Training Given to Mothers With Children With Autism on Perceived Social Support, Depressive Symptoms and Self-compassion

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which can also be defined as a type of special need, is a congenital neurodevelopmental disorder whose symptoms are observed in early childhood. ASD, which has deficits in social communication and interaction as well as limited-repetitive behaviour patterns, starts in the early developmental stage and causes a significant impairment in areas of social functioning . A child with autism causes serious anxiety and depression in the family for many reasons, including the uncertainty of the diagnosis, the severity and duration of the disorder, and the child's lack of compliance with social rules. ASD has devastating effects not only on the individual but also on carers . It is reported that mothers with a child with ASD experience psycho-social difficulties compared to parents with a normally developing child . Hyperactivity, mood problems, disturbances in sleep and eating patterns, obsessions and compulsive behaviours, and self-injurious behaviours of children with ASD make the parent-child relationship difficult. Due to the burden of care brought about by such findings and difficulties, the family begins to experience situations such as decreased quality of relationship between family members, educational problems, financial difficulties and future anxiety. There is a significant relationship between emotional and behavioural problems of children with ASD and anxiety and depression levels of their parents. In addition to psychological symptoms, caregiver parents also experience limitations in daily life activities. The ability of mothers with children with autism to cope with unexpected situations is closely related to the social support they perceive. However, studies show that parents with children with autism have difficulties in entering and adapting to the society, and therefore, friends, neighbours and close environment relations from which they can get social support are weakened. Considering that supporting these families, espe