Lingual and Social Problems of Autistic Children A Field Research Done in Erbil City

Abstract

Autism is a severe disorder marked by social impairment, poor communication skills, and repetitive stereotyped movements. Autism affects people of every race, ethnic group, and socio economic background. Its severity varies from a child to another. The present paper focuses on lingual and social problems of autistic children in Erbil city. The researcher has chosen "Autism Centre" for conducting the field research. Ten children are chosen as data for the present study. Autism ranges in severity. Thus, the researcher has divided the children into two groups: children with mild autism and others with severe autism disorder. The language use of these children, their social interaction and behavior will be compared to those of normal children of the same age, gender, and socio economic background. The researcher has observed that children with severe autism cannot speak at all, and those with mild autism rarely speak, while all normal children have a clear language. The researcher has observed that children with autism whether 'severe or mild' lack awareness of others. They cannot build friendships, and they never play in groups. They cannot use facial expressions, they do not exchange emotion, and all of them have repetitive behavior. Comparing the normal children with autistic children, the researcher has found out that the main factor which differentiates the two groups is social interaction. Each autistic child lives in an isolated world where there is no place for others. Autism disorder is not curable, but appropriate treatments can help the children overcome life difficulties and carry on their daily needs.