What is autism, what are its symptoms?

Autism, which generally emerges from the age of 2, is a complex type of developmental disorder today. The symptoms of autism can generally be listed as the inability to achieve verbal and non-verbal communication, having restricted areas of interest, exhibiting repetitive behaviors, struggling to play and use imagination, being disturbed by changes and resisting them. In about 10% of individuals diagnosed with this condition, superior traits such as strong memory or musical ability can be observed; in the majority, however, varying degrees of intellectual disability have been detected. When an intelligence test is applied to autistic individuals, it can be seen that certain areas are significantly behind others. A dislike of physical contact is also among the symptoms of autism. Some autistic children may react to being picked up or kissed. Some may harm themselves, others, or objects around them. Bright objects attract their attention, and if the object they are focused on is removed, they may have a crisis.

They often fail to make eye contact and appear restless. While some are quite insensitive to pain caused by hot, cold, or other factors, others show extreme sensitivity to certain sounds, lights, touches, and smells. It is also observed that they may not respond at all to auditory stimuli, while they may give unexpected reactions. They generally refuse to speak and express their needs by shouting, screaming, using sign language, or hitting.

They may exhibit eating disorders, and some have been seen to eat inedible things. Their interests are more directed towards objects and inanimate beings than people. They may show extreme reactions in situations of change, such as moving houses or schools, changing the location of a beloved object, or losing it; they may even harm themselves or the person in front of them. They have a mental map of their environment, and even the smallest change in their memorized surroundings increases their stress levels. Some may never be able to speak throughout their lives. While some can walk and climb quite well, others may be quite clumsy and walk unsteadily.

Their own needs are a priority; they generally experience their emotions instantly and definitively. It has been observed that in about 35% of individuals suffering from this developmental disorder, also known as autism spectrum disorder, the event is caused by neurological reasons. Although some symptoms may give the impression of a mental illness, autism is not considered a mental illness. There are indications that autism may be hereditary, but the gene responsible for all these has not yet been found. It has been observed that autism spectrum disorder, which affects boys more than girls, is not related to the family's socio-economic status or the way the child is raised.