The process extending from diagnosis to adulthood in autism explained by experts at BARÜ
2 Nisan 2026
In the panel organized at Bartın University (BARÜ), the importance of supporting individuals with autism in education and social life processes, starting from early diagnosis, was emphasized.
Within the scope of April 2 World Autism Awareness Day, the “From Diagnosis to Adulthood: Roadmap for Individuals with Autism Panel” was organized at Bartın University (BARÜ) in cooperation with the Bartın Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services. The event, held in the Rectorate Conference Hall, drew intense interest from individuals with autism and their families.
Delivering the opening speech of the program, the Director of the BARÜ Special Education Application and Research Center, Asst. Prof. Dr. Tahir Mete Artar, said, “Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in social and communication skills and behaviors, with its prevalence increasing every day. This process is a responsibility that requires continuity, a scientific approach, and strong cooperation. With this understanding, as Bartın University, we continue to develop and implement projects that strengthen the participation of individuals with autism in social life and add value to their lives in cooperation with public institutions and non-governmental organizations in our province.”
Messages of awareness and cooperation regarding autism were given in the opening speeches
Bartın Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Yavuz Korkmaz said, “Today, the diagnosis and follow-up of autism spectrum disorder, which is seen in one out of every 36 children worldwide, are carried out by our health institutions and physicians. Additionally, with the Bartın Provincial Autism Guide prepared through the cooperation of our various institutions, we aim to combine the promotion and information of all services under one roof. Again, as a result of this strong coordination, our province of Bartın has been designated by our ministry as one of the pilot provinces in the field of individual social service counseling. With the responsibility of being a pilot province, we aim to lead the implementation of this model across our country.”
BARÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akkaya stated, “The road from school to home is only a few minutes for some children, but for some, every step carries much more. A sound, a rain, a crowd—tiny details we don’t notice can turn into a major obstacle for them. The world we call ordinary can be an exhausting struggle for them. However, sometimes a single hug lightens the burden of the whole day. Understanding autism makes life easier. Bartın stands out as a province in Turkey with a high number of individuals with special needs. At this point, as Bartın University, we support the education and training activities of 136 individuals through individual and group sessions at our Barrier-Free Living Center.”
Bartın Governor Dr. Nurtaç Arslan said, “Individuals with autism are not just those waiting for support, but productive, strong, and inspiring individuals who can shape society when given the right opportunities. We must not forget that the matter is to remain aware and take responsibility. Removing the obstacles before them in every field, from education to employment, from social life to daily life, is not a matter of choice but a matter of action. The roadmap extending from diagnosis to adulthood to be discussed in this panel today is also our roadmap as a society. Because an inclusive society is only as strong as the care it shows to its most vulnerable individuals.”
From Diagnosis to Adulthood: Roadmap for Individuals with Autism Panel
In the following panel, Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Berat Merih Yetim gave a presentation on “Medical Diagnosis Processes in Autism and the Importance of Early Diagnosis,” Asst. Prof. Dr. Esra Orum Çattık from the Eskişehir Osmangazi University Department of Special Education on “Qualified Support of Individuals with Autism During the School Period,” and Prof. Dr. Yasemin Ergenekon from the Anadolu University Department of Special Education on “Supporting the Transition of Individuals with Autism to Independent Adulthood.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Tahir Mete Artar from the BARÜ Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, provided information on “Bartın Autism Workshop Findings and the Bartın Provincial Autism Guide,” and Sunay Kara, the Autism Support Network Coordinator of the Bartın Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, on “Social Service Counseling for Individuals with Autism and the Bartın Autism Support Network.”
BARÜ programs that received the Barrier-Free University Program Badge were applauded
Following the panel, the award ceremony was held for BARÜ's 7 programs that received the 2025 YÖK Barrier-Free University Program Badge. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the faculty members representing the programs of Disability Care and Rehabilitation, Child Development, English Language Teaching, Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Coaching Education, Political Science and Public Administration, and Social Work.
The event, held with the participation of Bartın Governor Dr. Nurtaç Arslan, Bartın Garrison Commander Navy Senior Colonel Serhat Sır, Bartın Deputy Mayor Gülay Engin, and the provincial protocol, ended with a commemorative photo session.
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