Şanlıurfa Harran University Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Diseases. Instructor Member Fethiye Kılıçaslan said that the incidence of autism increases every year. Kılıçaslan said, “According to recent studies, it is stated that one out of every 36 children has autism.”
Şanlıurfa Harran University Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Diseases. Instructor Member Fethiye Kılıçaslan made statements about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Dr. Kılıçaslan stated that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that starts in early childhood, where development is different from other children, interest in the outside world is weak, language development is not like other children, and there are some repetitive movements or behaviors and sensory irregularities.
Stating that the incidence of autism is increasing every year, Dr. Kılıçaslan said, “40-50 years ago, it was said that autism was a rare problem/disease. Today, we know that autism is seen much more frequently. Studies indicate that the incidence of autism is increasing every year. According to recent studies, it is stated that one out of every 36 children has autism.” he said.
Noting that early diagnosis and intervention in autism affect the child's course significantly, Dr. Kılıçaslan said, “Although genetic and familial causes are blamed for the reasons of autism, we can say that it arises as a result of the interaction of many factors. War, migration, pandemic, traumas, and late parents are among the factors blamed for this increase in autism rates. On the other hand, adverse life events prevent families from taking their children to a child psychiatrist and reduce the possibility of early diagnosis and early intervention. Early diagnosis and intervention in autism have a significant impact on the child's course. With early intervention, this can improve our children's learning, communication and social skills. Both scientific studies and our own clinical experience show that the symptoms of autism disappear, especially in children under the age of 2 who start the intervention. Among the effective treatment methods in autism are Educational Treatments and Drug Treatments.” he said.
Dr. Kılıçaslan said:
“If your child loses previous skills or forgets words he knows, does not smile often and often has a 'dull' facial expression, does not show interest in people; does not make eye contact with you, does not look at you when you say his name, does not make any hand, arm or head movements such as pointing fingers, shaking his head, avoids close contact or hugs, does not try to repeat the movements you make or the sounds you make, has a weak reaction when you talk and entertain, 'Goodbye' cannot perform imitation skills such as making gestures, sending kisses, does not play with toys appropriately, does not have meaningful words despite being 18 months old, does not have meaningful two-word sentences despite being 24 months old, pretends not to hear what is being said, is indifferent to peers, strange repetitive movements (toe walking) swaying, turning, flapping wings, hand movements) and obsession with strange objects (rotating objects, license plates, emblems, etc.), families should contact a 'Child Psychiatrist' without wasting time.”
Şanlıurfa Harran University Hospital Chief Physician Assoc. Dr. İdris Kırhan pointed out that each person comes to the world with different characteristics and stated that everyone has their own physical, emotional and social structure.
Chief Physician Assoc. Dr. Kırhan said, “Education, which is necessary for everyone, is of great importance as it is also a treatment method for our children with autism. In this respect, special education to be given together with early diagnosis will bring them into social life. A stand was opened at the entrance of our hospital in order to raise awareness within the scope of Autism Week. Brochures on this subject were distributed to patients and their relatives. Dr. I would also like to thank Fethiye Kılıçaslan for her work and efforts on the subject. As Harran University Hospital, we will continue to work to raise awareness on important issues as well as providing treatment services to our citizens.” she spoke.