SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY INTERVENTION IN PREMATURITY DUE TO COVID-19: RISK FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND LANGUAGE EVOLUTION
Abstract
Objective: To describe the longitudinal speech-language pathology evolution of a child with a history of extreme prematurity due to maternal COVID-19 complications, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), emphasizing the effectiveness of early intervention and parental mediation. Methodology: Case Report: Patient with a history of prolonged NICU hospitalization, followed in a rehabilitation service since four months of age. At 25 months, a specific ASD screening assessment using M-CHAT-R and PROC protocols revealed a functional profile of Level 2 support. The intervention was based on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), with parental training focused on the father figure and interdisciplinary psychological support, which favored behavioral stabilization. Results: At age four, upon final diagnosis, the child evolved to Level 1 support. Currently, at age six, the patient presents functional verbal communication, with a therapeutic focus on phonological awareness and linguistic processing skills. Conclusion: Early speech-language intervention, grounded in neuroplasticity and initiated before the final diagnosis, was decisive for changing the functional prognosis. The integration between speech-language pathology and psychology, combined with family engagement, allowed for the transition between support levels and the development of essential metalinguistic skills. The case demonstrates that continuous specialized support is a determining factor for the communicative functionality and social integration of individuals with ASD.
Author Biographies
Speech-Language Pathologist at the Rehabilitation Center of the Municipal Secretariat of Rio das Ostras.
Psychologist at the Rehabilitation Center of the Municipal Health Secretariat of Rio das Ostras.
Advisor: PhD Professor of the Undergraduate Nursing Program at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) – Rio das Ostras Campus. Post-doctoral fellow in Nursing and Bioscience at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO).
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