What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that usually occurs in childhood. This condition is characterized by limitations in the person's social interaction and communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and interests.
What are the Types of Autism?
Autism is generally examined under 3 main categories:
- Autistic disorder: It is the most common type of autism.
- Asperger's syndrome: Characterized by limitations in social interaction skills, but language and intelligence skills are normal.
- Atypical autism: Conditions that do not fully meet the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger's syndrome.
What are the Symptoms of Autism?
Symptoms of autism may differ in each individual. However, people with autism often show the following symptoms:
- Difficulties with social interaction and communication skills
- Repetitive behaviors and interests
- Areas of limited or intense interest
- Sensory sensitivities
| Autism Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Social Interaction Difficulties | Limitations in communication skills, difficulty making eye contact, challenges in forming emotional connections with others |
| Repetitive Behaviors and Interests | Repetitive movements (rocking, hand flapping), obsessive interests in specific objects or topics |
| Limited or Intense Interests | Excessive focus on specific subjects or objects, lack of interest in other topics |
| Sensory Sensitivities | Over-sensitivity or extreme reactions to sensory stimuli such as sound, light, touch |
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
For a diagnosis of autism to be made, an evaluation by a psychiatrist or a child development specialist is required. The assessment often includes questions about symptoms, behaviors, and social interaction skills. Your child's medical history is also taken into account.
What Should Be Done After Autism Diagnosis?
After the diagnosis of autism is made, it is recommended that families and patients develop a treatment plan in cooperation with their doctors. This plan is customized to the individual needs and symptoms of the patient. Some of the methods used in the treatment of autism are:
Special Education
Special education is an education program aimed at supporting the learning and development of children with autism. This program is tailored to the needs of children and helps develop children's communication, social interaction, behavior and skills.
Therapies
Therapy is a treatment method aimed at improving the behaviors and communication skills of individuals with autism. Therapy can be administered as individual or group therapy, and various types of therapy include speech therapy, behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and art therapy.
Medicines
Medicine therapy is used to alleviate and control the symptoms of autism. These drugs can be used specifically to combat symptoms such as hyperactivity, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and epilepsy. However, a doctor should be consulted before any drug treatment.
Behavior Modification Therapy
Behavior modification therapy helps individuals with autism change certain behaviors. This treatment method is used to reduce or eliminate the individual's unwanted behaviors, and reward systems can be used to encourage positive behaviors.
Alternative Treatments
Some alternative treatments are used with claims that they can help relieve autism symptoms. However, there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of these treatments, and some may be harmful. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using alternative treatments.
What Happens If Autism Is Not Treated?
Autism can cause serious difficulties that can last a lifetime if left untreated. Individuals with autism may experience problems in their work and social relationships. In addition, when autism symptoms are not controlled, additional problems such as behavioral and emotional problems may arise. Therefore, it is important to support people diagnosed with autism with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What is the Importance of Early Diagnosis?
Early diagnosis means recognizing autism symptoms at the earliest possible stage and starting treatment. Early diagnosis enables the delays in the development of children to be noticed earlier and accelerates the treatment initiation process. Early treatment can help alleviate autism symptoms and improve the quality of life of individuals with autism. In addition, early diagnosis and treatment can increase individuals' chances of developing independent living skills and help them be more successful in their future education, work and social relationships.
Which Department of the Hospital should make an appointment for the treatment of autism?
For the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you usually need to make an appointment from the departments of child psychiatry, child and adolescent mental health, child neurology or developmental pediatrics. Doctors specializing in these departments assist in diagnosing autism, creating a treatment plan, and administering therapies that address children's developmental needs. To make an appointment, you must apply to the child psychiatry, child and adolescent mental health, child neurology or developmental pediatrics department of the relevant hospital and request an appointment.
Health Tourism for Autism Treatment in Turkey: An Experience Where Expertise and Supportive Services Converge
Turkey has become an important destination for health tourism in recent years. With its touristic appeal and high-quality healthcare services, many foreign patients choose Turkey for treatment purposes.
Autism spectrum disorder is among the services offered within the scope of health tourism in Turkey. Especially private hospitals and healthcare centers in major cities provide services that comply with international standards. These healthcare facilities have experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and other specialists who specialize in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
Health tourism services for autism treatment in Turkey can offer the following advantages:
- Expertise and Experience: Healthcare institutions in Turkey have experienced specialists in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder. These experts are knowledgeable about current treatment methods and provide services in line with international standards.
- Comprehensive Treatment Options: There are various options available for autism spectrum disorder treatment in Turkey. A personalized treatment plan can be created, and therapy, medication, and supportive methods can be used in combination.
- High-Quality Healthcare Services: Health tourism centers in Turkey have modern medical infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers may have international accreditations and provide services in accordance with quality standards.
- Affordable Costs: Compared to other countries, Turkey offers more affordable health tourism services. Expenses for autism treatment can be more economical compared to other countries.
Individuals who choose Turkey as a health tourism destination for autism treatment can organize the treatment process through health tourism companies or consultancy services. These companies can assist in selecting the appropriate healthcare institution based on patient preferences, arranging appointments, organizing accommodation, and managing other logistical matters.
However, there are also factors to consider when choosing the option of health tourism. These include the reputation and quality of the healthcare institution, details of the treatment process, and communication and language barriers. Therefore, it is important to conduct thorough research and obtain information from reliable sources before organizing the treatment process within the scope of health tourism.