Autism has become a phenomenon that we hear frequently today. Although it has been known for many years, its entry into our lives and literature was quite rapid.
The number of children diagnosed has increased, alternative treatment and therapy methods for autism have increased, meanwhile people have begun to know autism more closely.
Autism is a condition with a wide spectrum. It has many varieties in itself. Sometimes only autism is seen in children, sometimes accompanied by autism, epilepsy, attention deficit or Down syndrome can be seen. The existence of a different condition accompanying autism affects the success to be achieved in autism.
The most important point in autism is early diagnosis. In fact, although many families observe differences in the development of their children in early childhood compared to other children, they either do not want to admit this even to themselves, either find different covers for reasons, or leave it to time, thinking that this is a temporary situation.
However, it is possible for me to see significant improvement in many children who are recognized at an early age and started education. But as the child gets older, the success rate decreases.
So what are the symptoms of autism, what should parents pay attention to in terms of their children’s development.
Children with autism are babies who are constantly restless even in their infancy. They don’t like being held, and they don’t like being put to bed.
They do not exhibit skills such as looking at the mirror image, smiling at the adult’s face, repeating gestures and facial expressions as much as other babies.
May have unreasonable and prolonged crying. However, this situation should not be confused with the “Colic Baby” situation.
As they grow up, situations such as not responding when called by their name, not looking back when called while their back is turned, not making eye contact may occur.
When several children are together, it can be seen that instead of playing with other children and taking the toy out of their hands, it can be seen that they play alone and inappropriately for minutes with a toy they have picked up.
Has an interest in rotating, luminous and moving objects. Every child likes toys with light and motion and sound. But for children with autism, these toys can become an obsession.
Repetitive movements, which we call stereotypical movements, begin to occur. These movements, which are performed continuously and unconsciously, may include movements such as rocking back and forth, waving their hands, turning around, getting up on the tip of their toes, and walking on the tip of their toes.
They may have sensory sensitivities. These include not wanting to go into crowded environments, being sensitive to odors, and having a low tolerance for different tastes.
They may lag behind their peers in terms of fine motor and gross motor development. These include not being able to go up and down stairs by changing feet, not being able to hold a pencil, not being able to use a bicycle, and not being able to grasp with the index finger and thumb, despite being at the expected age in terms of development.
Speech development may also be delayed. Some of these are not making any sounds, making meaningless sounds and syllables, speaking in the form of parrot speech, which we call “Echolalia”, despite being over the age of 3-4.
It is important for parents to be good observers and to know their children well. Some of the symptoms mentioned above can also be observed in children without autism.
In order to determine whether a child has autism, some tests should be done and the child should be observed by experts in the field.
Therefore, parents who are concerned about their child’s development should seek support from experts on the subject. There are many children who have made progress with early diagnosis and early-initiated special education and even surpassed the wall of autism.
