An Analysis of Typically Developing Turkish Kindergarten Children’s Attitudes toward Their Peers with Special Needs

Because of the observational learning, societal influences, and the environment in which they are raised, several children enter school holding misconception and stereotypical views about persons they perceive as different. Because negative attitudes are extremely effective in limiting opportunities for children with special needs, a better understanding of young children's ideas about their peers with special needs to diminish this negative effect may be extremely crucial. It is important to consider that even though young children are aware of and curious about differences, they may not have set ideas and attitudes toward these differences. This point of view leads to the possibility that attitudes toward special needs may be positively influenced by the integration experience. Therefore, understanding of children's beliefs about, knowledge of and attitudes toward their peers with individual differences and attitudes is essential for the enhancement of relationships between these two groups.