AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER SCREENING IN CHILD HEALTHCARE: THE ROLE AND CHALLENGES OF NURSING

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may present signs in the first years of life, making child healthcare consultations important for monitoring child development and the early identification of signs suggestive of the disorder. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of nursing in ASD screening during child healthcare consultations and the main challenges faced in this process. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative literature review with an exploratory and descriptive approach, conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, using the descriptors “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” “Child Healthcare,” and “Nursing,” combined with the Boolean operator “AND.” RESULTS: It was evidenced that nursing contributes to ASD screening through monitoring child development, observing warning signs, listening to and providing guidance to family members, and referring children for specialized assessment. The main aspects identified were deficits in professional training, the importance of family participation, and the prejudices and stigma related to ASD. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that deficits in professional training may hinder more qualified nursing practice in ASD screening. Family participation is important in this process, while prejudice and stigma constitute challenges to comprehensive and welcoming care.