Table 3 Categories of the metaphors created by special education teachers regarding the concept of “autism” and the reasons for using them

Discovery

Metaverse

“Superficially, you only know the definition. But there are many areas waiting to be discovered.” (SET9)

Charede

“It means much more than what we see.” (SET18)

Deserted island

“It is both open to discovery and as you discover it, it becomes clear that it has unique beauties.” (SET30)

Distinctness

Fingerprint

“Every child's individual needs and abilities are different.” (SET17)

Snowflake

“Each one is a different miracle.” (SET17)

Rainbow

“It is a difference, not because they cannot do something or they lack, but because their motor skills and emotions are different from other individuals.” (SET28)

Dandelion

“It is delicate, sensitive, beautiful, and has many different features.” (SET45)

Mystery

Gift

“It compares us with beauties that we do not know or expect.” (SET40)

Dream

“It may contain much deeper values than what we interpret and see.” (SET33)

An alien color

“For us, it is a feeling of admiration that is surprising, mysterious, sometimes very familiar, sometimes completely different, distant, and different.” (SET19)

Adventure

“It becomes clear as you unravel the mystery of your successes and failures. The important thing is to reveal the'Pearl' under that mystery with the right education.” (SET37)

Patience

Exam

“It requires tolerance, effort, patience, love, and struggle. Autism is not about progressing all at once, but gradually, step by step.” (SET4)

Seed

“She is the one who can spread the beauty within despite many difficulties.” (SET27)

Sea

“Despite many waves, if they are trained correctly, they will find their route.” (SET38)

Wall

“It takes time to break through that wall and enter their world.” (SET39)

Loop

Swing

“They constantly exhibit repetitive behavior.” (SET16)

Clock

“She wants everything to continue in a certain order and steps.” (SET1)

Pattern

“They have certain routines.” (SET20)