Views on Prosocial Behaviour of Children with Typical Development Towards Children with Special Needs

Abstract

This study investigated examine the opinions of typically developing preschool children regarding positive social behaviors towards children with special needs. The study was designed with the case study model, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The study group of the research consists of a total of 267 children, 140 girls and 127 boys, between the ages of four and six, who attend pre-school education institutions in Ankara in 2022-2023. In determining the study group, the “convenience sampling” method was preferred due to the post-pandemic period. The ‘Prosocial Behavior Scale for Children with Special Needs’ was used to gather the data. The research was conducted children's views were analyzed using systematic content analysis method. According to the results of the research, it was determined that prosocial behaviors were inadequate in children's views towards children with special needs, they tended to help a peer with special needs, but they did not have enough knowledge and experience about special needs. In line with the study findings, it is recommended that projects be prepared so that preschool children can learn about special needs and spend quality time with their peers.