AUTISM: IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains with its cause not fully defined, impacting child development in the early years of life. The spectrum of clinical manifestations is broad, often including challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication as well as social interaction. Early detection is crucial in the context of ASD, as it allows for the implementation of early interventions. This study aims to elucidate how early recognition of ASD in children can facilitate their development and social interaction skills. The adopted methodology involved an integrative literature review, using sources from recognized digital libraries, including the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (BIREME), the Virtual Health Library (VHL), the Capes journal portal, and the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), prioritizing works in Portuguese and English published in the last ten years. Although the selected studies highlight the relevance of early ASD diagnosis, a shortage of research on the subject in Brazil is observed. The conducted review points to significant knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for advances in obtaining early diagnoses that can lead to more effective treatments. The pursuit of early diagnosis and treatment of ASD still faces challenges, requiring greater attention and research.