Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Social Worker İrem Atahan drew attention to the importance of early diagnosis and education for children with autism to adapt to social life. Emphasizing that early diagnosis of autism is important for starting education as soon as possible, experts say that parents should be made aware first. Social Service Specialist İrem Atahan, who stated that families should exhibit attitudes and behaviors without forgetting that each individual with autism has their own differences, said, “Individuals with autism should be supported by authorized people and communicate with their peers through various activities and activities. For example, participating in playgroups with a shadow teacher who is well-versed in the special education process contributes to the autistic individual getting a high level of efficiency from this program.” made a suggestion.
Early diagnosis can increase the effects of education
Stating that autism spectrum disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder that is congenital or occurs in the first years of life, persists throughout life, and shows features such as delays and deviations in language, social relations, behavior and cognitive development, Social Worker İrem Atahan said, “Autism at an early age. It is important to be diagnosed, to start education as soon as possible, and to have a positive impact on their lives. After early diagnosis, parents should be made aware of the developmental delays of individuals with autism and should be informed about the points they should pay attention to. said.
In order for education to be effective, negative effects should be minimized.
Stating that the special education program started with the diagnosis team directing the family to the necessary institutions and people, İrem Atahan said, “It is important for the caregivers to raise awareness in the process for the development of individuals with autism. Keeping in mind that each individual with autism has unique differences, parents should display attitudes and behaviors accordingly. The diagnosed individual with autism; It is necessary to minimize the effects that prevent socialization in the society in order to obtain a high level of efficiency from the training he receives for his adaptation to social life and neuro-development and for the results to be sustainable in the education received.” he said.
It is very important for families to be involved in education.
Social Work Specialist İrem Atahan, who stated that a personalized 'Individualized Education Program' (IEP) should be prepared because individuals with autism develop differently from each other, said, “IEP includes support education services prepared in line with the needs of the individual, family and teacher. At this stage, it is very important for the development cycle to include the family in the program process, to learn the methods used in education, and to enable the individual to use this program actively in their daily life.” said.
Personal training programs can contribute to their development
Social Worker İrem Atahan pointed out that individuals with autism experience limited and repetitive behaviors, often preferring to be alone, having difficulty in eye contact, overreacting to certain sounds and situations, excessive attachment to an object, speaking and communicating. continued:
“Personally tailored special education programs, occupational therapy and sensory integration studies, and speech and language therapy support are important in overcoming these situations and making progress. In addition to these, individuals with autism may have difficulties in gross motor and fine motor skills, and may show unusual body movements. Due to these difficulties in motor skills and body movements, directing individuals to sports activities can contribute to the development of the individual.
They can do sports to improve their social behavior.
Stating that sports activities such as swimming, athletics, bowling, and cycling may be appropriate for individuals with autism, Social Worker İrem Atahan said, “Bicycle improves balance and coordination skills, swimming provides benefits due to its ability to use whole body coordination and relax. Considering that individuals perform their social skills by rote and mechanically, sports activities where memorization behaviors are at a minimum in order to make their adaptation to social life more comfortable can also be a tool for improving the skills of adapting their behaviors in accordance with social situations. made suggestions.
Individuals with autism should be encouraged to communicate with their peers.
Emphasizing the importance of playing games together with peers with normal development in the development of an individual's social skills, Social Worker İrem Atahan said, "Individuals with autism should be supported and encouraged by authorized people to communicate with their peers during various activities and activities." said.
Atahan stated that there are trainings that will support the individual to communicate with their peers and learn social skills by modeling, and concluded his words as follows:
“Participating with a shadow teacher who knows the individual and has a command of the special education process in the playgroups in which the reverse inclusion method is applied contributes to the high efficiency of the autistic individual from this program. It is also possible for the individual to work with a shadow teacher to increase their social functionality outside.