Early Intervention in Autism-like Developmental Delay: Relational Process with Child and Family

Autism Spectrum Disorder can usually be diagnosed between 18 and 24 months, but it has also been reported that the median age of diagnosis is 3–4 years. It is also known that interventions made after age three cannot ensure that the developmental process returns to normal. With appropriate early intervention, the skills of children with autistic symptoms regarding joint attention, social communication, and adaptive functioning can be supported. Early diagnosis and intervention in autism enable the quality of life to be increased and lifelong economic and health expenses to be reduced by supporting and strengthening development. In this context, it is believed that, if possible, symptoms suggestive of autism are taken seriously and addressed through an intervention program that includes the family and is based on supporting psychosocial development. In this context, it is essential for families to learn how to establish relationships with their children and how to initiate and maintain interactions by making sense of the difficulties they experience. In this chapter, the early symptoms of autism and how it can be conceptualized in terms of psychodynamic theory will be discussed. Later, the developmental model developed by Dr. Eracar will be explained. Then, an example of the process carried out simultaneously with the mother and child will be given, and the pilot project for early intervention in autism will be summarized. The presented content will be discussed in the context of current literature.