Abstract | Autizam je biološki razvojni poremećaj mozga. Svrstava se u skupinu pervazivnih razvojnih poremećaja, uz Rettov poremećaj, Aspergerov poremećaj, dezintegrativni poremećaj u djetinjstvu i neodređeni pervazivni razvojni poremećaj. Zbog prirode nastanka i manifestacije, autizam je vrlo složeni poremećaj. Glavne karakteristike autizma su slaba ili nikakva socijalna interakcija i komunikacija, ograničeni i ponavljajući obrasci ponašanja. Prvi znakovi i simptomi se najčešće mogu uočiti od prve do treće godini djetetova života. Autizam se vrlo široko manifestira. Dok se kod jednih vide teža oštećenja poput mentalne retardacije, izražene šutljivosti, ponavljajuće motorike poput lupkanja rukama ili ljuljanja; kod drugih s blažim oštećenjima može postojati aktivan no prepoznatljivo neobičan socijalan pristup, usko ograničeni interesi i opširno pedantna komunikacija. Lijek za autizam ne postoji, međutim intenzivan rad s djecom i osobama s autističnim poremećajima tj. provođenje individualiziranih edukacijsko-rehabilitacijskih postupaka dovode do značajnog poboljšanja. Od velike važnosti je holistički pristup, na čemu se mora temeljiti i skrb zdravstvenih djelatnika, a kao preduvjet za postizanje najbolje moguće skrbi i rezultata jest poznavanje patologije i informiranosti o poremećaju.
Cilj rada je istražiti koliko su zdravstveni djelatnici upoznati s poremećajima iz spektra autizma, te pristupom prema autističnim osobama.
Istraživanje je provedeno među zdravstvenim djelatnicima na području Republike Hrvatske putem anonimnog anketnog upitnika koji je konstruiran za potrebe ovog istraživanja, uz uvodni dio koji je obuhvaćao demografske karakteristike ispitanika. Kako bi osobe s poremećajima iz spektra autizma dobile što kvalitetniju skrb, a ujedno i bolju kvalitetu života, od velike je važnosti je da zdravstveni djelatnici, a isto tako i ostala populacija, posjeduju što više informacija o samom poremećaju i načinima na koje se manifestira. |
Abstract (english) | Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental brain disorder. It belongs to the group of pervasive developmental disorders, alongside Rett's disorder, Asperger's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and unspecified pervasive developmental disorder. Due to its origin and manifestation, autism is a highly intricate disorder. The main characteristics of autism are limited or absent social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. The first signs and symptoms are usually noticeable between the ages of one to three. Autism manifests very diversely, with some individuals displaying severe impairments such as intellectual disability, pronounced silence, and repetitive motor behaviors like hand flapping or rocking, while others with milder impairments may exhibit an active but distinctly unusual social approach, narrow interests, and extensive, precise communication.
There is no cure for autism; however, intensive work with children and individuals with autistic disorders through individualized educational and rehabilitative interventions can lead to significant improvements. A holistic approach is of great importance, forming the basis for the care provided by healthcare professionals. Knowledge of the pathology and awareness of the disorder are prerequisites for achieving the best possible care and outcomes.
The aim of the study is to investigate how informed healthcare professionals are about autism spectrum disorders and their approach to autistic individuals.
The research will be conducted among healthcare professionals in the Republic of Croatia using an anonymous questionnaire constructed specifically for this study, including an introductory section covering the participants' demographic characteristics. In order for individuals with autism spectrum disorders to receive high-quality care and, consequently, a better quality of life, it is crucial that healthcare professionals, as well as the general population, possess as much information as possible about the disorder and the ways in which it manifests.
The goal of the research was to assess the extent to which healthcare professionals are informed about the characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their functioning capabilities, education and rehabilitation methods, as well as their approach to them. |