EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN BRAZIL: CHALLENGES IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47820/recima21.v6i7.6539Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder; Early Diagnosis; Childhood Autism; Primary Health Care.Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents early signs that allow diagnosis during childhood, which is essential for effective interventions. However, in Brazil, challenges persist that hinder this process. This study conducted a systematic review of articles published between 2013 and 2024 in the SciELO and PubMed databases, aiming to identify the main barriers to early diagnosis. The results indicate that lack of training for primary care professionals, scarcity of standardized protocols, family unawareness of initial signs, and unequal access to specialized services are the primary obstacles. It is concluded that investment in public policies, professional training, and early screening strategies—especially in primary care—is necessary to ensure faster and more equitable diagnosis for children with ASD.
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