PRESERVICE MENTAL RETARDATION EDUCATION TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARD AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS FIELD

This study examined the experiences and perceptions of the preservice teachers of students with mental retardation doing internship at a school where students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) received education. Phenomenological design was used, and Teacher Training Program in Mental Retardation Special Education Department intern students participated in the study. Data, interviews, and metaphors were collected and analyzed through inductive technique. Research findings were presented based on the following themes: The difficulties of working in the field of ASD; the positive aspects of working in this field; vocational career in this field; metaphors related to ASD; metaphors related to working in this field; suggestions concerning the field of ASD. The findings were discussed within the framework of the literature.