A Case Study on the Experiences of Individuals with Autism During and After the Major Earthquake in Türkiye

Öz

This study aims to examine the experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) following the major earthquake that affected ten provinces in Türkiye in 2023, based on the perspectives of their parents. The research was conducted using a qualitative case study design, and data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed five main themes: loss of routine and sense of safety, sensory and behavioral responses, access to education and services, social support and solidarity, and psychological resilience and readjustment. Findings indicate that after the earthquake, individuals with ASD experienced significant disruptions in daily routines, increased sensory sensitivity and repetitive behaviors, interruptions in educational and rehabilitation services, limited access to social support networks, and dependence on family—especially parents—as a primary source of emotional regulation. Parents reported heightened anxiety, sleep disturbances, behavioral regression, and difficulties adapting to new living environments. The study highlights the multifaceted needs of individuals with ASD during disaster and post-disaster periods, demonstrating the necessity for accessible educational support, sensory-friendly environments, community-based assistance, and family-centered resilience programs. The results underscore the importance of integrating disability-sensitive approaches into disaster management policies.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Earthquake
• Sensory Sensitivity
• Educational Access
• Resilience.

Türkiye’deki Büyük Deprem Süreci ve Sonrasında Otizmli Bireylerin Yaşadıklarına Yönelik Bir Örnek Olay İncelemesi

Öz

Bu araştırmanın amacı, 2023 yılında Türkiye’nin 10 ilini etkileyen büyük deprem sonrasında otizm spektrum bozukluğu (OSB) tanılı bireylerin yaşantılarını ve deprem sürecinden nasıl etkilendiklerini ebeveyn görüşleri doğrultusunda derinlemesine incelemektir. Araştırma, nitel araştırma yaklaşımına dayalı olarak örnek olay incelemesi deseniyle yürütülmüş ve veriler yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmelerle elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler tematik analiz yöntemiyle çözümlenmiş ve beş ana tema ortaya çıkmıştır: rutin ve güvenlik kaybı, duyusal ve davranışsal tepkiler, eğitim ve hizmete erişim, sosyal destek ve dayanışma ile psikolojik dayanıklılık ve yeniden uyum. Bulgular, deprem sonrasında OSB’li bireylerde rutinlerin bozulduğu, duyusal hassasiyet ve tekrarlayıcı davranışların arttığı, eğitim hizmetlerine erişimin kesintiye uğradığı, sosyal destek ağlarının sınırlı kaldığı ve ebeveynlerin travmayla baş etmede çocuklarından güç aldıkları yönündedir. Araştırma, deprem sonrası süreçte OSB’li bireylerin ihtiyaçlarının çok boyutlu olduğunu ve özellikle rutin, güvenlik, eğitim ve sosyal destek alanlarında kapsayıcı politikaların geliştirilmesi gerektiğini ortaya koymaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu
• Deprem
• Duyusal Hassasiyet
• Eğitim Hizmetleri
• Psikolojik Dayanıklılık

Kaynakça

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