In his statement, Associate Professor Ömer Başay said: “Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that manifests itself through differences in children’s social communication, interaction, and behavior patterns. It is called a ‘spectrum’ because it does not appear the same in every child; while symptoms may emerge earlier and more prominently in some children, they may present more mildly or in different ways in others. Therefore, autism should not be approached as a single, uniform condition, but rather by taking into account each child’s individual developmental characteristics. Some early signs that may attract attention include limited eye contact, عدم responding to one’s name, difficulty in establishing reciprocal communication, delay in speech development, and insufficiency in pointing or joint attention skills. In some children, repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, spinning around, lining up objects, or excessive reaction to changes in routine may also be observed. Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made based on a single symptom; however, when families notice something unusual in their child’s development, they should consult a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist without waiting. Early diagnosis and support are of great importance in autism. The earlier the child’s needs are understood, the earlier appropriate support can be provided. This contributes significantly to many areas, from communication to social development, and from daily life skills to learning. It also helps families better understand their children and manage the process more effectively. Therefore, instead of waiting with the thought that ‘it will pass over time,’ developmental signs should be taken seriously.” 

Associate Professor Ömer Başay: “Recognizing and taking early signs seriously is critical for children’s development.”

Emphasizing that one of the most important factors that makes life difficult for individuals with autism is often not autism itself but the lack of knowledge and prejudice in society, Associate Professor Başay continued: “Misunderstanding different forms of communication, عدم taking sensory sensitivities into account, and the lack of inclusivity in social life can make things difficult for both individuals and their families. However, when there is appropriate support, an understanding environment, and accessible living spaces, individuals with autism can become much more active and productive members of society. Therefore, April 2 World Autism Awareness Day should be considered not only in terms of awareness but also in terms of acceptance and inclusivity. What individuals with autism and their families need most is not pity but understanding, not exclusion but acceptance, not obstructive attitudes but a supportive approach. When we see differences not as deficiencies but as a natural part of human diversity, we can become a much stronger and more humane society.”