The role of the pediatrician in accurate recognition of autistic spectrum disorders and symptoms: literature review
Nathalye Souza, Ivana Rocha Raslan, Amaro Inácio Filho, Beatriz Guitton Renaud Baptista de Oliveira
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, diagnosed by disruption in the process of socialization, behavior and communication. It is among the most common developmental disorders, affecting 1 in 100 children. Its subtle, symptomatic and chronic profile has the involvement of essential biological mechanisms related to development. OBJECTIVES: Due to the low scope of the theme in the curriculum of the medicine and specialization in pediatrics course, which makes early diagnosis difficult, this review seeks to develop knowledge about: history, clinical characteristics and diagnostic tools associated with ASD. METHODS: A systematic review used the databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), SciELO, LILACS and Google Scholar, using “autism and the pediatrician” and “autism and the pediatrician”, “autism” as a search strategy. RESULT AND DISCUSSION: Through the CHAT (checklist for autism in children), health professionals can make diagnostic suspicion, through parents reports on the child’s behavior, as well as at the time of the consultation. CONCLUSION: The early introduction of therapies to rehabilitate children with ASD, through interdisciplinary intervention, is important for improving the behavior and quality of life of patients with autism spectrum.