This study was aimed at the analysis of optimism and stress coping attitudes of parents who have children with special needs. Screening model was used in the study. “Attitudes of stress coping inventory” and “Optimism scale” were used as data collection means. The data were carried out in Istanbul Kadykoy region in 2016-2017. They were collected from 327 mothers and 126 fathers, i.e. 453 parents in total, whose children were studying at special education institutions those times. The data were analyzed on the basis of independent sample t test and single factor analysis of variance. According to the findings of the research no significant differences were found in stress coping attitudes of parents, while significant difference was observed in mothers’ average of optimism. It has been revealed that 20 % of optimism is determined through the sub-dimensions of stress coping scale (such as: active planning, looking for assistance, sheltering in religion, motional abstraction, biochemical abstraction and cognitive restructuring). It was determined that parents’ optimism levels had positive effects on their stress coping attitudes. Significant correlation was found between optimism level and coping with stress, namely active planning and looking for assistance levels. On the other hand, statistically no significant correlation was found between sheltering in religion, emotional-motional abstraction, biochemical abstraction and cognitive-acceptance restructuring. According to the findings of the research it can be concluded that providing psychological support for parents’ optimism tendencies can contribute their stress coping attitudes.