‘They gave my child back to me’: experiences of parents returning to Türkiye for their children with autism from countries to which they had migrated

OpenAlex İngilizce

Objectives This study examines the factors motivating Turkish immigrant families living in developed European countries to return to Türkiye to seek autism-related educational support for their children. It explores the limitations of host countries’ systems and the perceived advantages in Türkiye.Methods A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 parents who had returned to Türkiye for their child’s special education. The data were analyzed using content analysis to identify recurring themes.Results The findings revealed key challenges in host countries, such as delays in diagnosis, extended waiting periods, insufficient numbers of trained professionals, and limited access to individualized special education. Türkiye, in contrast, offered ease of access, cultural and linguistic familiarity, and more affordable private services due to currency differences. Parents reported noticeable improvements in their children’s development and overall satisfaction with services received in Türkiye. However, economic limitations and employment challenges restricted long-term relocation.Conclusions This study reveals significant disparities in autism-related service access across countries. It highlights the urgent need for inclusive migration and education policies that support early diagnosis and equitable service provision for children with autism in crossborder family contexts.