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Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) aims to expand its research activities related to autism.

In his statement to the Anadolu Agency, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten emphasized that OMU actively enhances awareness, health services, and educational initiatives related to autism.

"Our Developmental Education Application and Research Center currently serves about 50 students"

Recalling the "1st OGEM Autism Symposium" held on April 7 at the Şehit Ömer Halisdemir Multipurpose Hall by OMU's Developmental Education Application and Research Center (OGEM) with the participation of academics and educators, Prof. Dr. Kesten pointed out that OMU Faculty of Medicine's Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, in cooperation with OGEM, conducts significant efforts to enhance autism awareness. He also noted that the OMU Faculty of Education trains teachers to specialize in special education.

Kesten said, "Our Developmental Education Application and Research Center currently serves approximately 50 students, more than half of whom have autism. Throughout the year, we provide various forms of support to these students and their families."

"The primary goal of universities is research"

Prof. Dr. Kesten stressed their aim of positively impacting the lives of more students with autism by expanding their reach, stating, "Research is the fundamental goal of universities. We are focused on conducting more research to support autistic children and their families better and address their challenges. Symposiums organized by OMU are essential steps toward this goal. We have initiated increased autism awareness by organizing the first national symposium."

"We will continue our efforts to become a fully accessible campus"

Expressing OMU's dedication to research aimed at integrating individuals with autism and other disabilities into society, Prof. Dr. Kesten remarked:

"In a short time, we will hold another symposium with contributions from the Turkish Guidance and Psychological Counseling Center to raise regional and local awareness. On May 9, we plan another comprehensive symposium under the coordination of our university's robust Accessible Student Unit. In the long term, we aim to enhance both our services and deepen our research. A critical aspect of this process is strengthening inter-institutional cooperation. By signing protocols with Samsun Governorate, Metropolitan Municipality, Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, and Provincial Directorate of National Education, we aim to increase collaboration and establish our region as fully accessible."

Highlighting that these protocols encompass collaborative initiatives at all educational levels, Kesten concluded, "We have another upcoming protocol with the Metropolitan Municipality, aiming to develop comprehensive services tailored specifically for students and individuals with various disabilities."