The importance of an interdisciplinary approach to autism emphasized

The Department of Language and Speech Therapy of the School of Health Sciences organized an event titled “Autism from Different Disciplines” within the scope of April 2 World Autism Awareness Day. The event was held in three different sessions: “Sensory Integration in Autism”, “Floortime in Autism”, and “Autism and Special Education”. Expert Physiotherapist Onur Aşkar, Audiology and Speech Disorders Specialist Çiğdem Ergül, and Special Education Expert Sezgin Kartal participated in the event held at the South Campus Conference Hall. During the sessions, various therapy methods and special education approaches that contribute to the development of individuals with autism were discussed in detail.

EXPERT AŞKAR: SENSORY INTEGRATION IN AUTISM FACILITATES LEARNING 
Speaking at the “Sensory Integration in Autism” session, Expert Physiotherapist Onur Aşkar emphasized that sensory integration therapy plays a major role in facilitating learning. Explaining that the nervous system processes sensory inputs and provides organization, Aşkar said: “More than 80 percent of our nervous system is involved in organizing sensory inputs. Sensory integration therapy is a process that allows an individual to give appropriate motor and perceptual responses to their environment. The sensory adaptation process can be more complex in children with autism. Therefore, interdisciplinary work is of great importance in the therapy process.”

SPECIALIST ERGÜL: WE SHOULD TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM 
At the “Floortime in Autism” session, Audiology and Speech Disorders Specialist Çiğdem Ergül underlined the importance of establishing effective communication with individuals with autism. Ergül said: “When working with individuals with autism, we first try to understand their world. We take care to gain their trust by developing relationship-based approaches.” Ergül also stated that social interaction is critical for individuals with autism, and that families’ conscious involvement in the process has a significant impact on the child’s development. Noting that there are still misconceptions about autism in society, Ergül continued: “In the past, it was thought that autism was related to television watching habits. However, up-to-date scientific research shows that autism is related to environmental and genetic factors.”

EXPERT KARTAL: EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND PROPER EDUCATION MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE 
At the “Autism and Special Education” session, Special Education Expert Sezgin Kartal drew attention to the importance of early diagnosis and education in autism. Emphasizing that the first three years are a very important period for the childs development, Kartal said: “In the education of autistic children, programs should be organized that are appropriate for individual characteristics. Early intervention can make a big difference in the development process of children.” Touching on the importance of individualized education programs for autistic children, Kartal said: “In special education, it is necessary to identify children’s interests and provide a play-based learning process. Families play a big role in the education process. Families should be consciously involved in the process and support the development of their children. Early intervention, especially with children diagnosed at a young age, makes a big difference in the development process.”