Instructor Mitra Niazi from the Department of Occupational Therapy at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Üsküdar University has been listed among the authors of the book titled Clinical Perspectives on Recent Trends in Autism Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment, published by the international academic publisher IGI Global. The book provides a detailed evaluation of how mainstream media and digital platforms shape autism narratives, the impact of online content on children, and the risks created by informal diagnostic discourse.
The chapter titled Unmasking Autism in the Digital Age: Occupational Therapy Responses to Social Media-Informed Self-Diagnosis in Children, written by Instructor Mitra Niazi and published in 2026, examines the increasingly widespread phenomenon of social media influenced self-diagnosis of autism among children through a multidimensional perspective.
The impact of digital media on autism perception examined
In the chapter authored by Instructor Mitra Niazi, the ways in which mainstream media and digital platforms shape autism narratives, the effects of online content on children, and the risks posed by informal diagnostic discourse are analyzed in detail. Identity formation, ethical dilemmas, family and societal responses, and the reflections of this process on occupational therapy practices are among the prominent themes addressed in the study.
A guiding resource for professionals
The chapter emphasizes that children’s lived experiences should be acknowledged without being invalidated and argues that interventions should be conducted within the framework of evidence-based assessment and professional support. It also offers forward looking recommendations for clinical practice, research, and policy development. At the same time, it serves as an important guide for professionals working at the intersection of digital culture and child development.
Scientifically grounded work with strong social awareness
This academic contribution, which brings a current and critical perspective to autism assessment, diagnosis, and treatment processes, stands as an important example of Üsküdar University’s commitment to socially responsible scientific production that focuses on contemporary issues and contributes to the international academic literature.