World Autism Day: Truths and myths about children with autistic spectrum disorder

The Autistic Spectrum Disorder is described according to the global diagnostic criteria (DSM-5 – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders & ICD), as a wide range of nerve – Developmental Disorders with main and common characteristics the deficiencies in communication and communication skills, reduced interests as well as repetitive behaviors. According to the latest research data over the last 30 years, there has been a rapid increase in the proportion of children with developmental disorders and in particular with the diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. In particular, research data suggest an increase from 62 in 10,000 children (1 in 162), to 65 in 10,000 children (1 in 154) in 2021 (Zeidan et al., 2022). However, as described in the definition, we are talking about a wide range of nerve – Developmental Disorders and therefore, children and individuals with D.A.F. present different clinical profiles as well as a wide range of varied and different difficulties, with different intensity and severity. “The questions that arise to parents in the initial diagnosis are many and stress huge. In addition, an overwhelming percentage of the population and society has a wrong picture of both the possibilities and the difficulties faced by children with A.A.F. as well as their prospects for evolution,” points out Mr. Stamatis Surwinos, Vice President of the Association of Speech therapists – Logopedic Greek, inspirational and founder of A.S.L. T. program and adds: “It is therefore useful to know that the fact that a child is diagnosed with an I.A. This does not necessarily imply mental retardation, but also an extremely high indicator of intelligence, although one of the above may exist where appropriate. In addition, children with A.D. They do not have a pre-defined prognosis with regard to their acquisition of skills and integration into the social whole, instead one of the most decisive factors is the early age of diagnosis and initiation of demonstrated Early Intervention. The A.S.L. T program is the 1st program of speech therapy in water, with research data worldwide, which has proven to be faster and greater results in the conquest of speech and speech refers to a very large proportion of children, pre-school and first-school age with Austic Spectrum Disorder and by extension with developmental disorders, but also generally difficult understanding, expression and communication. The exploitation of the liquid element and its properties,” explains Mr.Survinos, “such as hydrostatic pressure, lifting, heat, etc., create a spiritual uplifting as well as contributing to the reduction of sensorys, increasing attention and concentration time and other key sectors. Also, the aquatic environment, as is easily understood, is for the overwhelming percentage of children, an extremely strengthening factor, with a multitude of activities that make intervention a pleasant process and result in faster skills. Moreover, the fact that this programme, apart from the benefits of the physical properties of the liquid element, is also governed by specific intervention/activity protocols and adapted water material, which contribute decisively to the effectiveness of the programme.” A.S.L.T. program is provided, exclusively in Greece, at the premises of the closed swimming pool of O.A.K.A. in collaboration with the Therapeutic Swimming Association “Hippokampos” by Mr.Surwin, while the other interventions at the facilities of A.S.L. T. Center from him and his associates in the New Philadelphia area. After successful completion of the First Certification at A.S.L. T program, the 2nd cycle of Certifications was announced, in May 2024, in the 1st Integrated Program of Speech Therapy in Water worldwide. The first and only research data to date concerning the effectiveness of speech therapy in water, concern only A.S.L. T. program. Project managers are looking for professional speech therapists who will be trained and certified partners who will be supervised and supported. The aim is to provide high quality speech therapy services in water, having full training of the program. More specifically, certification will include the following key areas (At the theoretical and practical level, with education and examination in all areas): Adapted swimming Education Introduction and Analysis of research data Logotherapeutic Intervention in Water Sectors Intervention Protocols Material Certification of First Aid In addition, all certified partners will receive it, adapted to the needs of the liquid element, visualized intervention material necessary to provide A.S.L. services. T. program. This material is also the only material that is suitable for measurable research in relation to speech therapy in water.