THE LATE DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER IN ADULT LIFE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in diverse ways, including social communication, restricted interests and inflexibility. Its characteristics persist throughout life. This makes it possible to identify them in early childhood. However, due to the heterogeneity of the disorder, the diagnosis may only occur in dulthood. This article aimed to review studies on the assessment and diagnosis process of ASD in adulthood. The methodology used was the Integrative Review, using the PubMed and VHL-health databases. The inclusion criteria those not articles published from 2019 onwards, and the exclusion criteria excluded those not corresponding to the proposed life stage. Six articles were selected that analyzed the main instruments used to screen for ASD in adults, with the ADOS-2 (module 4) and the ADI-R being considered the “gold standard”, and the AQ and the RAADS as important screening tools. The study concluded that the diagnosis of ASD relies predominantly on clinical evaluation, with screening instruments serving complementary tools and used when necessary to confirm the findings obtained in initial observations and interviews.