About Autism

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About Autism

About Autism

Misunderstandings and Truths About Autism

Talking and writing about autism requires a great sense of responsibility. Misleading information from non-experts can place an unnecessary burden on families, especially parents. But are those working with autistic children always aware of this responsibility? Unfortunately, not always.

In recent years, it seems that any child showing behavioral issues is quickly labeled as "autistic." This causes significant anxiety for families. Even if a mother knows her child does not have autism, hearing such a diagnosis can plant seeds of doubt in her mind. This is why it is essential to be cautious and informed when discussing autism.

Knowing Our Limits and Telling the Truth

Some might say, “If there’s any suspicion of autism, let the child start early intervention—there’s no harm in it.” However, this approach is not correct. To label a child as autistic, mere suspicion is not enough; it requires a thorough, evidence-based evaluation process. Furthermore, effective intervention cannot begin unless the family, particularly the mother, accepts the diagnosis. Thus, our principle should not be to "direct or manipulate people" but to "tell the truth."

The Nature of Autism and Its Core Symptoms

Autism, now defined as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It emerges during the early stages of brain development and can have lasting effects on a person’s social interaction, communication, and behavior. Symptoms often start to appear between 8-10 months of age and become more apparent by 18 months, at which point a diagnosis can be made.

Early intervention can slow the progression of autism and significantly improve a child's development. However, we must remember that early intervention does not completely eliminate autism. Families should not feel guilty about this. Autism is like a natural disaster—it occurs outside your control. Therefore, thinking, "This happened because we didn’t intervene early enough," is unfair to yourself.

So, What Are the Core Symptoms of Autism?

When thinking about autism, you might recall repetitive hand movements, walking on tiptoes, sensory sensitivities, lack of eye contact, or speech delays. While these behaviors can be observed in autistic individuals, they are not considered the core symptoms of autism.

The primary characteristic of autism is a deficit in social interaction—the absence or difference in behaviors that people naturally exhibit in social contexts. To explain further:

People typically make meaningful eye contact. In autistic individuals, this eye contact may be absent or appear meaningless.
During social interactions, individuals respond and focus on each other. In autistic individuals, these responses may be limited or entirely absent.
When you point at something, others usually look where you’re pointing. Autistic individuals might not exhibit this natural response.
In conversations, facial expressions and eye contact are crucial. Autistic individuals may struggle in these areas.

Without these social interaction deficits, it is impossible to diagnose autism. Other behaviors mentioned above are often observed in autistic children but are not considered core symptoms of autism.

The Importance of Reliable Information

Nowadays, much of the information about autism comes from social media and the internet. However, it is essential to question the accuracy of these sources. Information that is not backed by science can mislead families and lead to harmful consequences for children.

To learn about autism, parents and caregivers should rely on expert doctors, scientific publications, and credible sources. Avoiding misinformation and seeking accurate knowledge is critical for the well-being of both children and their families.