ABSTRACT
Objective
To systematically review experimental, quasi-experimental, and single-case family education interventions conducted in special education in Türkiye between 2020 and 2025.
Background
Family education is a key component of special education services, yet the characteristics and methodological quality of intervention studies conducted in Türkiye have not been comprehensively synthesized. Identifying research trends and evidence gaps can guide future intervention development and implementation.
Methods
Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were conducted in the TR Index, the Council of Higher Education National Thesis Center, and Google Scholar. Twenty-nine eligible studies were reviewed to examine intervention characteristics, research designs, participant profiles, implementation settings, follow-up, and social validity. Methodological quality was evaluated using the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools.
Findings
Nearly half of the studies (48.28%) used single-case designs, primarily multiple-probe models. Participants were mainly mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder, and interventions were predominantly institution-based and focused on communication, daily living, academic skills, and legal rights. Although all studies reported positive intervention outcomes, follow-up data and social validity were reported in only 48.3% and 75.9% of the studies, respectively.
Conclusion
Family education interventions provide promising evidence for supporting families of children with special needs in Türkiye, although important methodological limitations remain.
Implications or Recommendations
Future research should adopt more rigorous designs, improve reporting of methodological quality, include more diverse family members, and strengthen follow-up and social validity assessments to support evidence-based family education practices.