Name: theater.edu.gr
Address: GR

Everything about autism

SERVICES

What is autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way a person perceives and interacts with the world. It is characterized by difficulties in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Symptoms vary significantly from person to person – which is why the term “spectrum” is so important.

When was autism defined?

The first formal description of autism was made in 1943 by child psychiatrist Leo Kanner, who observed a group of children with common characteristics of social isolation and repetitive behavior. Shortly thereafter, in 1944, Hans Asperger, in Austria, described a similar profile in children who had normal or even superior intelligence – what later became known as “Asperger Syndrome.”

Terminologies and interpretations

Over the years, the different terms for the subcategories of autism (such as Asperger syndrome, childhood autism, atypical autism) were abolished and merged under the umbrella of "Autism Spectrum" with the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association. Thus, today, no subcategories are officially used but we speak of a single disorder with variability in its expression.

Basic terminologies:

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder): The official diagnosis that includes the entire spectrum.
Neurodivergent: A term that describes people with differences in brain development, including people on the spectrum.
Asperger Syndrome: Older term, today considered part of the spectrum.
High-functioning / Low-functioning autism: Terms used informally but often criticized for simplifying the complexity of the spectrum.

Statistical data

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 8-year-old children will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2023, a rate that has been increasing in recent years.
Boys are about 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism compared to girls.
Approximately 31% of children with autism have intellectual disability, while the remaining 69% have average to normal or even high intelligence.
Early intervention (before age 3) has been shown to significantly improve outcomes in children with autism.

OUR WORK

My hands are tied with a child on the spectrum.

«» This is a phrase often heard from parents of children on the autism spectrum. Sometimes it is spoken with disappointment, other times with exhaustion, and sometimes with guilt. The daily life of a parent raising a child on the spectrum is indeed highly demanding: schedules, adjustments, emotional regulation, social challenges, and often a state of constant alertness. Many parents feel as though their personal lives have been put "on hold." Outings become limited, activitie

Repetitive Behaviors and Special Interests in Autism: Understanding the "Obsessions"

Repetitive Behaviors and Special Interests in Autism: Understanding the "Obsessions" Obsessions or repetitive (stereotypical) preoccupations are a common characteristic of individuals on the autism spectrum. These involve intense preferences, repetitive behaviors, or fixed interests that provide the individual with predictability and a sense of control. Although often misinterpreted as "bad behavior" or "stubbornness," these behaviors actually play a profound functional role

“A Fairy Tale About a Hug”

When winter came and the wind grew sharp, high up in a tree there was a small nest. Inside it, curled up beside one another, were little birds. Some were stronger, some weaker, and some “different” — the ones who were more easily frightened, who felt the cold more intensely, who grew hungry faster and struggled to settle down. When darkness fell, the little birds did not wait only for food. They waited for their mother and father to return to the nest, to spread their wings o

Use of computers and digital media by children on the autism spectrum

The use of computers and digital media by children on the autism spectrum can offer significant benefits, but it also carries risks when appropriate guidance and balance are lacking. Below is a summary of the positive and negative effects, based on recent scientific studies and clinical observations. ✅ Positive Effects: How Computers Can Help 1. Enhancing Communication and Learning Many children with autism respond positively to technologies that provide structured, visual, a

The Anxiety Over Speech: How Parental Pressure Affects Communication in Autism

The anticipation of a child’s first words on the autism spectrum is a period filled with hope, but often with intense anxiety. While parental concern is entirely natural, modern scientific research from leading global universities suggests that excessive stress can act as an indirect inhibitory factor. When communication shifts from a source of joy to a high-stakes test, the child may withdraw further. The Scientific Link: Stress and the Language Environment Language developm

Autism and Social Inclusion: The Psychology of Neurodiversity and the Shift Toward Acceptance

Autism and Social Inclusion: The Psychology of Neurodiversity and the Shift Toward Acceptance The understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has evolved significantly in recent years, shifting focus from a strictly medical "cure" model toward a neurodiversity framework. However, the challenge of social inclusion remains critical, as individuals on the spectrum frequently face learning difficulties and psychological pressures stemming from an environment not designed with

Contemporary Methods in Speech and Language Therapy: Scientific Advances and Practical Applications

Speech and language therapy (SLT) is a rapidly evolving field within healthcare that has been significantly influenced by advances in neuroscience, technology, and evidence-based practice. Modern therapeutic approaches extend beyond traditional articulation exercises, incorporating multifactorial and holistic strategies aimed at improving overall communication abilities. 1. Individualized and Evidence-Based Intervention A central principle of contemporary speech and language

Η σχέση των παιδιών με αυτισμό με τη φύση.

1. Nature as a Multisensory Environment Children with autism often present differences in sensory processing (hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli). The natural environment offers a more “organized” and predictable sensory context compared to urban settings. Research published in the journal Health & Place has shown that exposure to nature provides significant sensory, motor, and emotional benefits for children with autism. Natural sounds, gentle movements, and or

ABOUT US

autismos.edu.gr

Welcome to [Website Name] — a modern and friendly website dedicated to holistic information and support around the autism spectrum.

What you will find on the website:

Understandable information about what autism is, what its main characteristics are and how it manifests itself in children, adolescents and adults.
A complete guide for parents, educators and professionals: from the first signs, to diagnosis and long-term support.
Specialized articles on education, inclusion, occupational therapy, speech therapy and managing everyday difficulties.
Map and list of Support Centers throughout Greece (private and public), with contact details and services provided.

CONTACT

Contact us to list your business on the website

Athens, Greece 12345

info@autismos.edu.gr
Phone: +30 2299 114442