24.10.2026 12:31
Bedia and Mustafa Pişkin, a foster family couple in Aksaray, are supporting their daughter Elif's development through education and rehabilitation after Elif, whom they took into their home in 2021 when she was 21 days old, was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of 2. Bedia Pişkin, who said she cried a lot after the diagnosis, answered the question of how long they would be a foster family with "As long as we live."
Living in Aksaray, Bedia Pişkin and her family lovingly devote effort to contributing to the education and development of Elif, whom they took in as a foster child when she was 21 days old, and to supporting her to prepare more strongly for the future, after she was diagnosed with severe autism 2 years later.
THEY OPENED THEIR DOORS WHEN SHE WAS 21 DAYS OLD
The application made by Bedia (41) and Mustafa Pişkin (48), a couple with two children, to the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services to become a foster family was accepted.
Elif, whom the couple opened their home to in 2021 when she was just 21 days old, was diagnosed with autism when she turned 2.
Bedia Pişkin, who receives support from experts along with her family for the child's development, watches educational videos, attends courses and spends more time with the child, also attaches importance to Elif's education at the rehabilitation center while she attends kindergarten.
I FELT EVERYTHING BIOLOGICAL MOTHERS FEEL
Bedia Pişkin told an AA reporter that when a relative of theirs became a foster family, the idea of touching a child's life also formed in them.
Explaining that they received a positive response some time after the application, Pişkin said, “When we went to the institution, there was a baby in front of us; she was very sweet. We took to her at first sight. When the procedures that lasted a few weeks were completed, we brought our baby home.”
Noting that with Elif joining them, they multiplied the love in their family, Pişkin spoke as follows:
“When we took Elif to the family doctor, he suspected some things. After the tests, our daughter was diagnosed with autism. The two years with our daughter passed quickly and beautifully. We were sad when we learned that she is a special child. From that day on, our struggle with autism began. I did not know what autism was. I had no idea. I cried a lot, I lamented a lot. I felt everything biological mothers feel. I worried about how my child would bear the heavy burden when she grew up. I should not give up, and I knew that. They ask, ‘Until when will you be her foster family?’ As long as our lives allow, for however long everyone cares for their biological child, we will care for her in the same way.”
SMALL DEVELOPMENTS MAKE THE FAMILY HAPPY
Explaining that she has benefited greatly from trainings about autism, Pişkin stated that even the small developments in her daughter, who is now 5 years old, make them very happy.
Emphasizing that they love their daughter very much as a family, Pişkin said, “She loves us very much too. She gets along very well with her older brother.”