European University of Lefke (EUL) Dr. Fazıl Küçük Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education Teaching, Dr. Hatice Bilmez made a statement about “April 2, World Autism Awareness Day”.

“Autism was first described in 1943 by Leo Kanner, America’s first child psychiatrist”

“Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inadequacy in social communication and social interaction and limited, repetitive behavior, interest and activity patterns. Autism was first described in 1943 by Leo Kanner, America’s first child psychiatrist. Not smiling to others even after 6 months, not responding to the voices or gestures of others with similar voices or gestures even after 9 months, not making a mouth even after the age of 1, not pointing something with a finger, not doing bye or bye, even though the age of 1 and a half is over the age of 1 and a half. Not saying even a word, not making simple and meaningful sentences with two words even after the age of 2, and regressing language development or social development regardless of the month are among the early symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, ”said Bilmez, she pointed out that parents who notice these symptoms should consult a specialist as soon as possible. Does not know: “In addition to these early symptoms, autism spectrum disorder symptoms include not reacting on behalf, not showing the behavior of showing something to others by pointing one’s finger, not playing pretend play games like house or schooling, avoiding eye contact with others, loneliness in most cases. “To prefer, to show inability to understand and show emotions, to experience significant delays in language and speech development.”

“It is important to raise public awareness of autism spectrum disorder”

Bilmez continues her explanation as, “Early and intense behavioral intervention is extremely important for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Scientific research findings reveal that individuals with autism, who received intensive behavioral training at an early age, learn to perform similarly in many developmental areas with their peers with typical development. Therefore, early diagnosis is extremely important for early intervention. “One of the ways to ensure access to early diagnosis and early intervention is to raise awareness of the society on autism spectrum disorder.”

“To support autism awareness, you can see lots of blue being shown at the Light up Autism Blue events”

Finally, Bilmez declared, “The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in order to emphasize the need for individuals with autism to help improve the quality of life so that they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate this day to spread awareness and acceptance of individuals with autism. On the World Autism Awareness Day, on April 2, you can see plenty of blue being shown to support autism awareness. The association that advocates for autism, known as Autism Speaks, organizes a “Blue Light on Autism” event every year. With this activity, many people all over the world show that they are aware of autism by wearing blue clothes or carrying a blue object on them for autism awareness. Then, in order to express that we are aware of autism and to increase the awareness of autism, “Let’s Blue Light on Autism”.