Formerly known as Autism, it is called Autism Spectrum Disorder
according to the new classification system. It is a neuropsychiatric
disease that prevents the development of the brain, which usually begins before the age of three and usually lasts for many years, manifesting itself with speech delay, lack of social interaction, limitation in eye contact, limited
and repetitive behaviors.
br /> Autism has started to be encountered more frequently since the day it was first discovered, due to reasons such as the increase in the number of specialists diagnosing it and the increase in awareness. It is seen in almost 1 in every 60-65 children in the world and in our country. It is 3-4 times more common in boys
than in girls. Autism is found in all kinds of societies, races and families.
Autism has no relationship with child-rearing characteristics or the economic conditions of the family. There is no specific method used for the early and definitive diagnosis of autism.
It is based entirely on clinical observation. Diagnosis is made based on observation and information received from the family.
It is not necessary for the child to have all the symptoms for diagnosis. Generally, symptoms appear from 15-16 months. Sometimes, it can be recognized in the very early period by noticing situations such as not making eye contact
and not giving meaningful reactions to their name when called.
Clinical Symptoms
- They do not make eye contact. , and if they do, it is for a very short time.
- When called by name, they usually pretend not to hear and do not react, but
they can immediately notice the sounds that interest them.
- Speech is usually absent, if at all, it is very limited, usually It is memorized and meaningless. There may be parrot-like word repetitions (Echolalia). Sometimes, speech regresses over time. - Instead of using their index finger to show what they want, they try to hold the parent's hand and get them to get what they want.
- They generally do not look at the pointed place.
- In the age group They prefer to be alone instead of playing with children or other children, even if they are in the same environment.
- They have difficulty understanding the emotions of their parents (anger, joy, sadness), or they do not react adequately.
- Body language, gestures and m They generally do not use gestures, they have a dull look.
- Their games are generally unusual, limited and far from imaginary. They prefer repetitive games (such as arranging toys, turning the wheels of cars)
- There is a state of excessive interest in rotating objects or rotating objects. Sometimes
they may also have behaviors such as sniffing and licking objects.
- They may have extreme obsessions with some objects (excessive
interest in pens, keys, lamps, napkins)
- They may be extremely sensitive to some sounds ( (such as the sounds of hair dryers, construction trucks)
- They can make incomprehensible, strange sounds,
- Sometimes they have wandering movements as if looking somewhere, meaningless running around in the house.
- There are strange hand movements called stereotypies. . (Make your hands flap like wings, move your fingers like you're counting money, clap your hands like you're clapping when you're happy or angry)
- Sometimes there are movements such as walking on tiptoe and turning around. Does not imitate (does not make gentle or kissing gestures).
- Does not attract the attention of people in the environment, acts as if there is no one around.
- Chewing movements are not developed, hand muscles may be weak, there is a limitation in motor skills.
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Approximately half of the parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder describe their children's
unusual behavior at the age of 15-16. They are noticed starting from the age of 24 months, and approximately 4 out of 5 of them are noticed by the age of 24 months. However, many parents do not accept this situation, especially for boys. Not speaking is considered an ordinary delay. For this reason, diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Instead of denying the condition, the moment it is suspected, a physician should be consulted to evaluate the general developmental stages
. Because the probability of complete recovery in autism
is around 25% under current conditions. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more likely the child will recover from this condition.
In our country, there are now enough specialist physicians to diagnose this disorder and
special education specialists who contribute to its recovery. The gold standard is early diagnosis and
special education.
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