| Abstract | Kroz ovaj završni rad nastoji se utvrditi specifično djelovanje i uloga socijalnih radnika u radu s osobama koje imaju poremećaj iz spektra autizma te s njihovim obiteljima i onima koji o njima skrbe. Poremećaji iz spektra autizma (u daljnjem tekstu PSA) skupina su složenih poremećaja, nepoznatog uzroka, koji se javljaju u ranom djetinjstvu. Osnovne karakteristike ove skupine su teškoće u socijalnoj interakciji, neverbalnoj komunikaciji i govoru te ograničena, stereotipna, ponavljajuća ponašanja, aktivnosti i interesi. Zbog poteškoća u komunikaciji, odstupajućih ponašanja i nemogućnosti da izraze svoje potrebe i misli na odgovarajući način, osobe s PSA često su žrtve nasilja ili izrugivanja, izložene su izolaciji, diskriminaciji i stereotipima.
Ranije procjene Centra za kontrolu i prevenciju bolesti (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC) ukazivale su na prevalenciju PSA od otprilike 1 % u općoj populaciji, no novija izvješća pokazuju da prevalencija tih poremećaja iznosi oko 1,5 %. Ipak, određeni autori smatraju da se ne radi o istinskom porastu učestalosti PSA, već o povećanoj svijesti i dijagnosticiranju poremećaja. Navedeno je dovelo do povećanog zanimanja javnosti i stručnjaka za PSA, a sukladno tome otkrivaju se specifični edukativni i rehabilitacijski postupci za osobe s PSA te su se istaknula brojna nastojanja da se pronađu načini prevladavanja barem dijela njihovih simptoma. Socijalni radnici mogli bi razviti potencijal za rad s osobama koje imaju PSA, a u tu svrhu potrebna su im specifična znanja i vještine. Zbog raznovrsnih područja u kojima djeluju, kao što su centri i domovi za djecu, bolnice, škole itd., socijalni radnici imaju velike mogućnosti za rano otkrivanje PSA kod djece. Socijalni radnici trebaju osobama s PSA pružiti podršku, pobrinuti se da nisu diskriminirani i da ostvaruju sva svoja prava te ih povezati s drugim stručnjacima, institucijama i organizacijama. Također, socijalni radnici mogu igrati važnu ulogu u radu s obitelji osobe s PSA. Njihovim roditeljima te braći i sestrama mogu pružiti savjetodavnu i informativnu podršku i pomoć pri suočavanju s teškim situacijama i osjećajima koji se mogu javiti kod otkrivanja da je njihov član obitelji osoba s PSA te ih uputiti stručnjacima koji će im pomoći u stvaranju vrlo specifičnih interpersonalnih relacija s osobom s PSA. Kako bi život osoba s PSA bio što lakši i ugodniji, uz angažman stručnjaka, potrebno je osvijestiti i senzibilizirati društvo o specifičnim teškoćama i potrebama osoba s PSA i educirati ih o načinima na koje im mogu pružiti pomoć i podršku. |
| Abstract (english) | This final paper seeks to determine specific activities and role of social workers in working with people with autism spectrum disorder and with their families and those who take care of them. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex developmental conditions of unknown cause, which occur in early childhood. Primary characteristics of this group are persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication and restricted/repetitive behaviour, activities and interests. Due to their communication difficulties, deviant behaviour and inability to express their needs and thoughts appropriately, people with ASD are often victims of bullying or mockery and they are exposed to isolation, discrimination and stereotypes. Earlier estimates by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated the prevalence of ASD of approximately 1 % in the general population, but recent reports show that the prevalence of these disorders is about 1.5 %. However, certain authors believe that this doesn’t show the increase in the incidence of ASD, but an increased awareness and prompt diagnosis of the disorder. This has led to increased interest for ASD among public and professionals, and accordingly, specific educational and rehabilitation procedures for people with ASD have been revealed, and a number of efforts have been made to overcome at least some of their symptoms. Social workers could develop the potential to work with people who have ASD, and for that purpose they need specific knowledge and skills. Because of their presence across a wide range of areas, such as children's centres, hospitals, schools etc., social workers are uniquely positioned for early detection of ASD among children. Furthermore, social workers should provide support for people with ASD, ensure that they are not discriminated and that they exercise all their rights and help them to get in touch with other professionals, institutions and organizations. Also, social workers can play an important role in working with a family of a person with ASD. They can provide counselling and informational support to their parents and siblings and help them in coping with difficult situations and feelings that may arise when discovering that their family member has ASD and refer them to professionals who will help them create specific interpersonal relationships with a person with ASD. In order to make life of the people with ASD as comfortable as possible, with the engagement of experts, it is necessary to raise awareness and sensitize society about the specific difficulties and needs of people with ASD and educate them on the ways to help and support them. |
