https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5288-7836
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ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to investigate the directly effect of an eclectic group counselling program on certain mental health indicators/symptoms (anxiety, depression and negative self-worth) of parents of children with autism and its indirect effect on the level of autistic symptoms (stereotypical behaviour, communication and social interaction problems) of the children. The participants involved 28 parents of children diagnosed with autism and their children with autism. Experimental and control groups were formed for both parents and children. Using the Symptom Check List to assess any mental health symptoms of the parents, and the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2 Turkish Version to measure levels of autistic symptoms of the children. The results show that not only did the psychological support given to the parents have a direct effect on the mental health of the parents, but that it also indirectly decreased the levels of autistic symptoms of the children.