Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that refers to difficulties in maintaining social communication and interaction. It is characterized by repetitive behavioral patterns. Autism, as it is called in its diagnostic classification, falls within a  spectrum .  It occurs in a wide variety of  conditions, from milder/faded symptoms to a very severe picture  .

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or  autism as it is commonly known, refers to the difficulty experienced by the individual in the principle of reciprocity , which is one of the most important criteria in establishing and maintaining communication in the social-emotional field   . The most obvious characteristics are the inability to speak in a content that is compatible with the theme during the conversation; inadequacy in sharing interests and feelings; and inability to initiate social communication. There is difficulty in verbal and non-verbal communication, in establishing eye contact and in using body language appropriately. In autism, limited repetitive behaviors, interests and activities are also observed.  Stereotypical or repetitive motor behaviors are one of these.  In children, using toys and objects in a more stereotypical way rather than in accordance with their function: Lining up cars, spinning objects, being interested in spinning objects, using language in a peculiar way and echolalia (echoic speech) are observed. For example, when an autistic child is asked the question “What is your name?”, responding by saying “What is your name?” instead of saying his/her name is an example of echolalia. He/she has difficulty using pronoun suffixes and may refer to himself/herself in the third person singular. For example, “Ali came home” instead of “I came home”.

Persistently the same, inflexible behaviors , routines and ritualized verbal or non-verbal behaviors can be observed. Inability to tolerate even the smallest change, extreme anxiety when there is change, rigid thought patterns are present. For example, wanting to eat the same food all the time, not wanting the place of the objects in the room to be changed, wanting to watch the same cartoon all the time.

Their interests and orientations are rigid and fixed. They may be obsessively attached to a particular person or object. They may be extremely  sensitive to sensory cues  or may not respond to stimuli that would otherwise require a serious response. For example, the slightest change in odor may cause serious discomfort, while they may not withdraw their hand when touching a very hot surface.

When Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed?

Autism symptoms begin to appear in early childhood. It is very important to determine which end of the spectrum the individual is on (whether the symptoms are mild/faint or severe). It can be diagnosed at the age of 1 or later. In some cases (when the symptoms are mild), since it is noticed late, the age of diagnosis may also be delayed. Since the symptoms cause serious deterioration in social, occupational and functional areas, cases are usually diagnosed in early childhood.

Autism may also be accompanied by diagnoses such as mental retardation, language and speech problems, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.

Risk Factors in Autism

Environmental risk factors for autism include being a parent at a later age and having a low birth weight. However, the biggest known risk factor for autism is genetics.

Myths About Autism

Today, with the development of the diagnostic system, an increase in autism cases is observed. Although it is more common in boys, it is known that its frequency in the general population is around one percent. However, the increase in the rate of children diagnosed in recent years has brought with it many false beliefs.

Children with Autism Have High Intelligence:

Autism basically refers to the difficulty experienced in establishing social communication. The area of ​​interest is quite limited. In some cases, this limited area of ​​interest manifests itself with various skills. For example, being able to draw what one observes in great detail, playing an instrument, doing four mental operations.   Such cases, which are considered high-functioning within the diagnostic group, are quite limited in number.

All Children with Autism Have Mental Retardation :

Autism is not a mental retardation. However, in certain cases, problems related to intelligence may accompany it as a comorbidity. In some cases, children may learn to read and write and complete a certain academic level (such as middle school, high school, university); however, in severe cases of autism or cases accompanied by problems related to intelligence, it is quite difficult to observe the skills mentioned.

Children with Autism Have Special Abilities:

There may be individuals with special talents in the group considered high functioning, where autism symptoms are mild/faded. They may have special talents in areas such as music, art or mathematics. For example, someone evaluated in the high functioning autism group may be able to draw a city view from a bird’s eye view in great detail, but may not be able to create “original” content.

The Cause of Autism is Family:

It is a common myth that the relationship between the mother/primary caregiver and the baby is the cause of autism. Autism is a “neurodevelopmental disorder ” in which social communication skills are lacking and repetitive behaviors are present. These characteristics that the baby is born with can change the way the mother and baby interact. For example, the baby’s failure to respond to the mother’s social messages (such as smiling) can negatively affect the relationship between the mother and the baby. However, variables related to family attitudes are not the cause of autism.

Exposure to Television as a Baby Causes Autism:

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, watching television does not cause autism. However, television cannot provide the reciprocity  needed in social interaction  . For example, when mother and baby play, the mother responds to the baby’s behavior, smiles, and approves of the child. However, the baby cannot establish a reciprocal relationship in this direction while watching television. Too much television exposure during infancy can negatively affect the baby’s social development, but it is not the sole cause of autism.

Nutrition and Vaccines Cause Autism:

Although there are views that nutrition, vaccinations, exposure to toxic and heavy metals during pregnancy cause autism, research  does not support these views.  It is observed that families resort to methods that have no medical basis for treatment based on such views, but such practices, which are not scientifically proven, are very likely to harm children.

Autism is Treatable:

and  early age  stimulus deficiency are very important to distinguish from each other. If the emotional, social and cognitive stimulus environment needed in early infancy is not provided, autism-like behavioral patterns can be observed in infants/children. However, when the appropriate stimulus environment is created, it is seen that children develop social skills and can establish relationships.

A way to eliminate autism has not yet been discovered.  Medical support in autism is very effective in reducing the severity of the related symptoms. In this way, children can continue their daily lives and continue their education in the school environment. The medications used to relieve the symptoms  must be prescribed by a specialist physician.  In addition to medical support, special education and rehabilitation centers provide supportive education programs for children in order to support self-care and basic communication skills. It is very important to support children at an early age with such educational activities.