The importance of early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for adequate treatment and rehabilitation in Macedonia
Journal
Specijalna edukacija i rehabilitacija
Date Issued
2022-09-08
Author(s)
Petrusheva, Tea
DOI
10.5937/specedreh21-36888
Abstract
Introduction. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has unclear etiology and no known
universal treatment, making it difficult to obtain an accurate and timely diagnosis. The
evidence that highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment is growing.
Objective: The research was done to evaluate the impact of early diagnosis and its
significance, as well as the effectiveness in obtaining the diagnosis in the past years and
decades in Macedonia. Methods. We carried out a comparative analysis of the collected
data from 95 subjects divided into three groups: 30 parents, 35 special educators and
rehabilitators, and 30 members of the professional team that participated in diagnosing
autism, using an original research tool in the form of three questionnaires. The data from
the study refers to a research study conducted in Macedonia. Results. Many prenatal,
perinatal, and postnatal factors can lead to ASD. The most common symptoms include:
lack of speech, delayed speech for a specific age, not responding to their name, no eye
contact, weak social skills, hyper/hyposensitivity, and isolation. Autism more frequently
occurs isolated than accompanied by other conditions. The mean age of diagnosis used
to be 5.6, while, in recent years, it has been 4.2. Children wait around 2.1 years from
the first symptoms to obtain a diagnosis. Parents visit fewer institutions in the process
of obtaining an ASD diagnosis. There is still a significant number of misdiagnoses.
Conclusions. Many factors play a role in the occurrence of autism. There are a number
of symptoms that appear in most cases. In the last decade, autism has been diagnosed
earlier than before. The approach and process of diagnosing autism in Macedonia have
improved.
universal treatment, making it difficult to obtain an accurate and timely diagnosis. The
evidence that highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment is growing.
Objective: The research was done to evaluate the impact of early diagnosis and its
significance, as well as the effectiveness in obtaining the diagnosis in the past years and
decades in Macedonia. Methods. We carried out a comparative analysis of the collected
data from 95 subjects divided into three groups: 30 parents, 35 special educators and
rehabilitators, and 30 members of the professional team that participated in diagnosing
autism, using an original research tool in the form of three questionnaires. The data from
the study refers to a research study conducted in Macedonia. Results. Many prenatal,
perinatal, and postnatal factors can lead to ASD. The most common symptoms include:
lack of speech, delayed speech for a specific age, not responding to their name, no eye
contact, weak social skills, hyper/hyposensitivity, and isolation. Autism more frequently
occurs isolated than accompanied by other conditions. The mean age of diagnosis used
to be 5.6, while, in recent years, it has been 4.2. Children wait around 2.1 years from
the first symptoms to obtain a diagnosis. Parents visit fewer institutions in the process
of obtaining an ASD diagnosis. There is still a significant number of misdiagnoses.
Conclusions. Many factors play a role in the occurrence of autism. There are a number
of symptoms that appear in most cases. In the last decade, autism has been diagnosed
earlier than before. The approach and process of diagnosing autism in Macedonia have
improved.
Subjects
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