Merhaba to all...
I am curious for any thoughts from people who have visited Turkey or live in Turkey concerning special children visiting Turkey. I have two older children (ages 12 and 13yrs old) with a mental disablilty called Autism. I am hoping to bring them to visit Turkey and other European countries in the next couple of years. I am wondering how people from Turkey may "view" visiting children or young adults who act differently and may not understand the cultural differences that they may see. Is there anyone who has travelled to Turkey or other countries with their children? i have travelled by car with them and they love to travel and visit new places. I would like to introduce them to other cultures to help broaden their interests.
HOwever, I have been told by someone who has been there that people may see them as young men and expect them to act "properly". My boys appear normal, but will do things differently than others like talk or laugh for no reason at all, or try to talk to people they don't know. The opinion may had been biased from a military point of view, though. So it is important to me to get some opinions concerning this. I have not visited Turkey as of yet or any other European country. I am excited to come to see Turkey myself this summer
I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to answer this post.
HoşÃ§akal.
LadyFyre

in general turkish people are very friendly and are known for their hospitality all over Turkey.So dont even worry they love kids and they wont take it personaly or see it as an attack if your kids dont act accordingly.especially when they are sick and they can not control their actions.turkish people are very loving towards kids and very forgiving. so please feel free to visit Turkey,you will not regret it.i have seen your post has been posted for while now and i dont know why people have not answered you yet, but i hope you do come and check it regulary.so no need to worry enjoy your visit to Turkey.you will want to go back i can assure you

I agree - Turkish people are very friendly to foreigners. Furthermore, with a public healthcare system that is inferior (sorry guys, but it is) to say the UK or USA, it is much more common to see *severely* handicapped (mentally and/or physically) people on the street than it is in - for example - my old hometown (I now live in Ankara - I used to live in a London suburb) where people were in homes or under suitable treatment in the majority of cases. The exception would be wheelchair users who are far more uncommon here - though that is likely to be a product of places generally being inaccessible to them (no ramps, high kerbs etc).

I know Autism is not a very *visible* disability - I am sure your kids will be met with tolerance and understanding. However, one thing you should be aware of is this: personal space in Turkey (as it tends to be as one moves East across Europe and into Asia) is smaller than you're probably used to. If your children are uncomfortable with strangers touching them then maybe reconsider...

I'm no expert on Turkey, but as a foreigner living here I hope that my alternative view helps you.

H.

LadyFyre

You may have already set out on your holidays or you plan to in the summer...i wanted to share a the little i know about turkish "attitudes to disability"
I have a friend who lives in the east of Turkey and a relative of her's has Autism... he is not shunned or hidden away but, he is not considered normal and odd by the family. Autism is so misunderstood.They have also been told that those with autism will not live over 18 years of age.
How untrue this is... i am going to make a western comparision...we know so differently.
I work with ppl with autism everyday of my life, i know how much they have to give and how much they do give.
I think, welll i know taking your kids..i assume not east to Turkey will be an amazing experience not only for you but your the ppl your boys come into contact with.
yavaş yavaş (slowly slowly) we can alter ideas and perceptions!
GO and let me know "how" you go.

Lee