Autism Diagnostics & Support Team

Whether for a child, adolescent, or adult, obtaining an autism diagnosis is a crucial step in addressing and understanding developmental challenges.

For parents of young children, observing differences in development compared to peers is common. Often, there's hope that these differences might resolve as the child grows. However, when developmental issues persist, especially those linked to autism, seeking a professional diagnosis is essential. It helps to identify and understand the unique needs of the child, allowing for the implementation of tailored support and interventions that can significantly enhance their development and quality of life.

For adults, receiving an autism diagnosis can provide clarity and validation. Many adults may have navigated life with unrecognized challenges related to autism, leading to difficulties in relationships, work, and social settings. A formal diagnosis offers a comprehensive understanding of these experiences and paves the way for targeted support and resources that can improve daily functioning and overall well-being.

In both cases, a diagnosis not only helps in understanding the specific difficulties an individual may face but also ensures they receive appropriate support and accommodations. This process empowers individuals and families with knowledge, enabling them to access services, interventions, and strategies tailored to their needs, fostering a more supportive and effective approach to managing autism.

Belirtiler

Evaluation

Experts who can diagnose autism are child psychiatrists. These specialists perform a detailed evaluation of autism for the purpose of diagnosis. There are various tests to evaluate whether children have autism, the degree of autism, intelligence level, adaptation skills, communication skills and behavioral development.Autism Diagnosis and Support TeamDuring the detailed evaluation, they inform you which of these tests should be applied to your child and, if necessary, apply the relevant tests. Autism Diagnosis and Support Team Our plan for families who apply to us is as follows:

The first meeting is always with the parents(family).
The second interview is held with the expert.
Following the evaluation of our specialist, "Individualized Education Package" support is provided to children diagnosed with autism or showing symptoms, and "Special Education Family Consultancy" support is provided to their families. For children diagnosed with autism, an evaluation report in English or Turkish signed by a psychiatrist will be given.
If your child is not diagnosed with autism after the evaluation, our child psychologist will start therapy sessions with him to solve the problem he is experiencing.

What are the symptoms of autism?

If your baby or child has the following symptoms

Eye contact is either absent or limited.
They do not react when you call their name.
They may be hyperactive or sedentary.
They do not care about their environment
They do not like physical contact such as hugging and kissing.
There is a delay in speech.
They deal with inanimate objects instead of communicating with people.
They do not communicate with their peers in the community, do not participate in games, and isolate themselves.
Even if they learn to speak, they always repeat the same word.
They do not use speech as a means of communication
They make inappropriate sentences and talk like stereotypes.
They can laugh and giggle nonchalantly at anything.
They may obsess over a part of an object (For example, constantly playing with the wheel of a car).
They may become excessively attached to some objects.
They are obsessed with order. They can become irritable when their routine is disrupted.
A repetitive movement; For example, clapping hands, jumping, spinning around, constantly rocking back and forth, flapping wings...
They don't dream and play like other children, they line up the cars and constantly turn the wheels.
They always play the same games.
Some children and babies with autism can be very stubborn and irritable.
They may become extremely afraid and react when they enter a social environment.
They can harm themselves and the objects around them.
They are insensitive to danger.
They are insensitive to pain.
They are insensitive to normal learning methods.

Post Evaluation

If your child has symptoms of autism, it is important to consider different therapy methods when planning the education program. The Autism Diagnosis and Support Team can offer you a range of therapeutic support. Below you can find some therapy methods and the benefits of these therapies:

Ergotherapy / Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists focus on improving the child's daily living skills. It ensures that children with autism are supported in the areas of independence, self-care skills, motor skills and functionality.

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy: ABA therapy is an approach that examines the behavior of children with autism and develops strategies to reduce undesirable behaviors and encourage positive behaviors. This therapy focuses on improving social and communication skills using structured learning environments and reward systems.

Filial Therapy: Filial therapy is a therapy method that aims to help parents communicate better with their children and support their emotional development. Parents learn special play and interaction techniques for their children under the guidance of the therapist.

Neuroplay Therapy: Neuroplay training is a method developed to intervene in autism early. The practice, which focuses on play therapy in 12 and 42-month-old children with autism, is applied to prevent the progression of autism. The aim of the treatment is to eliminate social disorders discovered in childhood through games.

Language and Speech Therapy: Language and speech therapy aims to improve the communication skills of children with autism. This therapy aims to improve the child's expression, understanding and social communication abilities by supporting his/her language and speech skills.

Floortime Therapy: Floortime therapy is a therapy method that focuses on improving the social and emotional connections of children with autism. The therapist supports the child's interaction and communication skills by participating in his interests and play.

The Autism Diagnosis and Support Team will constantly support you in the implementation of these therapy methods. Planning and implementing these therapies according to your child's individual needs will help support his or her development.