PAU's Special Education Department Draws Attention to Autism

Pamukkale University Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education faculty members and students organized an event within the scope of April 2 Autism Awareness Day.

Stating that individuals with autism continue to face some social and environmental barriers in accessing their fundamental rights and freedoms, PAU Department of Special Education Lecturer Dr. Özgül Aldemir Fırat noted that the process of awareness has moved from awareness to inclusion in order for individuals with autism and their families to be accepted in society. Dr. Fırat said, "In this process, we, as the faculty members and students of Pamukkale University Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, aim to reach a wide audience with the aim of ensuring the social acceptance of individuals with autism. In this context, we decorated our department with red balloons to draw attention to the aim of ensuring social acceptance of individuals with autism. We invite you to support by wearing red or taking a photo with a red object."

Today, approximately one in every 36 children has autism

Stating that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is expressed as a complex neuro-developmental difference that is congenital or emerges in the first years of life, Dr. Özgül Aldemir Fırat said, "Autism Spectrum Disorder is found in all kinds of societies, different geographies, different races and different families. Today, we need to increase our awareness of this condition, which affects approximately one in every 36 children. If your child does not make eye contact, does not turn around when his/her name is called, does not point to what he/she wants with his/her finger, is not interested in the games of his/her peers, has movements such as rocking or walking on tiptoes, is interested in rotating objects, exhibits obsessive behaviors and has speech delay, he/she may have autism. Recognizing and diagnosing autism early is critical in this process. In a significant portion of children who receive intensive education with early diagnosis and the right education method, the symptoms of autism can be controlled, development can be achieved and great progress is made."