In order to draw attention to autism and raise awareness, a "Autism Awareness Day" seminar was held, hosted by Atatürk University, within the scope of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, announced by the United Nations (UN) in 2008.

Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşe Bayrakçeken Yurtcan, Research Hospital Deputy Chief Physicians Prof. Dr. Hakan Uslu and Assoc. Dr. Zülküf Kaya and Seminar Moderators Assoc. Dr. Elif Oral Ahıskalıoğlu and Assist. Prof. Dr. Fatma Okutucu and many academicians and students attended the event held by the Faculty of Medicine at the Blue Hall of the Cultural Center.

Within the scope of the seminar, attention was drawn to the symptoms of autism disease

While it was estimated that 1 out of every 2,500 children was diagnosed with autism in 1985, it is estimated that 1 out of every 54 children is diagnosed with autism today. Within the scope of the seminar organized to draw attention to this reality and to find solutions to the problems arising from autism, it was emphasized that this innate difference manifests itself with communication problems in the first years of life. In the Autism Awareness Day seminar, which drew attention to the fact that the outward appearance of children with autism is not different from other individuals, and that they can be found in every society, geography, race or family.  At the seminar, it was stressed that children with autism cannot make eye contact, can perform obsessive behaviors, do not react when their name is called, show retardation in speaking, are not interested in the games their peers play and show excessive interest in revolving objects, and that if parents observe any of these symptoms, they should immediately take their children to a child psychiatrist.

Rector Çomaklı: “Early diagnosis and education is of critical importance for individuals with autism”

Emphasizing that a child with autism will be born again with early diagnosis and continuous education, Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı stated that the perception of autism and the level of knowledge have increased over the years, but despite all the promising results of the research, it is critical to raise awareness about the symptoms of autism and the importance of early diagnosis and education. Rector Çomaklı stated that the developmental differences of individuals with autism do not prevent them from integrating into society. "Therefore, we need to listen to individuals with autism, ensure that they have a voice and support them to express their preferences regarding their lives. All of this goes through acknowledging autism awareness. In this direction, I congratulate those who contributed to the carrying out of the Autism Awareness Day seminar hosted by our university, both not to detract it from the agenda and to draw attention to it. As Atatürk University, I promise that we will continue to do everything necessary to contribute to a better understanding of individuals with autism.” Çomaklı completed his speech.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 01.04.2022