Investigating the Perspectives of the Physicians on the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders

The aim of this research was to identify the diagnostic steps and the experiences of physicians (child psychiatrists and neurologists) employed at a university hospital. Qualitative methodology was employed in this study. The data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. It was reported that the physicians investigated the organic and non-organic factors during the diagnosis. They also stressed that the lack of social interaction was the diagnostic marker of ASD. Moreover, they utilized the screening and diagnostic tools which were adapted to Turkish language. It was seen that the physicians mostly collaborated with their colleagues rather than special education experts. It was found that physicians faced the negative reactions of parents during the diagnosis and provided psychoeducational services to parents. Considering the opinions of the physicians in the study, changing life-styles was an important contributing factor to the prevalence of ASD.