Türkiye Increases Its Awareness of Autism

Study on "Perception and Knowledge Level of Autism in Turkey" Conducted for Fourth Time by GfK Türkiye on behalf of Tohum Otizm Vakfı

The fourth edition of the "Perception and Knowledge Level of Autism in Turkey" study, previously conducted by GfK Türkiye for Tohum Otizm Vakfı in 2015, 2017, and 2019, was updated through face-to-face interviews with 1,238 people across 15 provinces. According to the research revealing Turkey's autism awareness report card, the proportion of those stating "I know the symptoms of autism" rose significantly to 52 percent compared to the study conducted in 2019. Tohum Otizm Vakfı, with the support of GfK Türkiye, updated Turkey's autism awareness report card with the fourth edition of the periodic study it has been conducting every two years since 2015 to determine where autism awareness stands. To measure the results of the studies conducted and find answers to the question "Where are we in autism awareness?", the latest edition of the study on "Perception and Knowledge Level of Autism in Turkey", which was previously conducted in 2015, 2017 and 2019, was carried out in 2021. The research conducted in 15 provinces was carried out through face-to-face interviews with 1,238 people aged 15-65 from various segments of society. While autism diagnosis, a developmental difference present from birth and typically noticed in the first three years of life, was given to 1 in 2,500 children in 1985, today it is estimated that 1 in 54 newborn children receive an autism diagnosis. Pointing out that the prevalence of autism shows an increasing trend each year and that the "Perception and Knowledge Level of Autism in Turkey Study" is a highly valuable data source in this regard, Suat KARDAŞ, General Director of Tohum Otizm Vakfı, stated: "We are very grateful to GfK Türkiye for the research that provided us with very important data on autism awareness in our country. The research demonstrates that our efforts towards raising awareness of autism symptoms are bearing fruit. The fact that the proportion of those answering 'yes' to the question "Have you heard of a developmental difference called autism?" decreased from 83 percent in 2019 to 72 percent in the latest research shows that we need to focus more on 'autism awareness' for early diagnosis and on 'education' work, which is the only remedy for autism."

Number of people aware of autism symptoms increased

The research revealed significant increased awareness regarding knowledge of autism symptoms in Turkey. When those who said they had heard of autism were asked "Do you know the symptoms of autism?", the proportion answering 'yes' rose from 7 percent in 2015 to 18 percent in 2017, 44 percent in 2019, and 52 percent in 2021. The three most recognized symptoms of autism were measured as "inability to make eye contact", "engaging in movements such as rocking and walking on tiptoes", and "displaying repetitive behaviors". Among the main symptoms of autism are: not making eye contact with others, eyes fixating on one point, not looking when their name is called, repeating words, inability to point to what they want, showing no interest in games played by peers, rocking, flapping, walking on tiptoes, excessive interest in spinning objects and repetitive behaviors. When families observe behaviors and symptoms in their children that differ from other children of the same age, they should immediately consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in autism.

The only known remedy is early diagnosis and intensive specialized education!

Scientific research shows that with early diagnosis and proper educational methods, approximately 50 percent of children receiving intensive education can have their autism symptoms controlled, can develop, and some autistic children show no difference from their peers by adolescence. However, only 23 percent of study participants believe that education is the cure for autism.