Leo Kanner first used the term ‘early infantile autism’ in 1943. Basic problems;
– Inadequacy in social communication,
– Delay in speaking or not speaking at all,
– Limited, stereotyped and repetitive patterns in interests and activities.
Language development in autism:
-No or delayed speech. This is the most prominent feature in speech.
– Do not reverse pronouns, (like saying he instead of me).
-Melodic speaking,
-Questioning speech,
-Self-talk,
-Early echolalia-repeat the question,
– Delayed echolalia,
– Monotonous or loud speech, … may be seen.
Although the intelligence level of children with autism is highly variable, 21-30% of them have an intelligence level above 70.
Problems in social development in autistic disorder;
-Deviation in social development
-Delayed or absent smile
-Lack of imitation, inability to make eye contact
-Not making friends, not playing games
-Disliking to be touched
-Ignoring
-Inability to empathize with others’ feelings
-Inappropriate interaction
Ability to imitate; Since it is an important skill in learning, it is necessary to repeat it frequently in the education of these children. Having the ability to empathize in social adaptation and acceptance is another important skill. The child who cannot perceive the feelings of others and what they want to say cannot establish adequate and correct social communication.
Affect in the child with autism;
-Dull, blunt
-Unresponsive to punishment and reward,
-Restless, grumpy,
-Crying and laughing for no reason,
-Inappropriate emotions with situations and events,… can be seen.
Attention in the child with autism;
Often distracted. Sometimes he can pay extra attention to certain objects or events.
Sensorimotor problems in the child with autism;
-Hypotonia,
-Problems in gross motor development such as delayed walking,
-Toe walking,
-Deficiencies in hand skills, problems in fine motor muscle development such as clumsiness,
– Dyspraxia
-Stereotypical (meaningless repetitive movements) such as clapping hands, turning movements
-Excessive reaction or unresponsiveness to sound… can be seen.
Criteria determining the course of autism;
-Speech is still not developed at the age of 5,
-IQ level is below 50,
-The picture is accompanied by an organic disorder such as epilepsy,
-The severity of the clinical picture is severe,
-Late start to special education,
-Negative family and other environmental conditions,
-Weak emotional bond between mother and child,
-Delayed diagnosis,… Negative factors in the course of autism.
