THE ROLE OF NURSING IN THE EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS IN CHILDHOOD: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze nursing actions in the early identification of neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Child development is a continuous and dynamic process, and changes along this trajectory may result in disorders that significantly affect the child's interaction with the environment. Nursing plays a fundamental role in this context but faces limitations related to insufficient academic training, the absence of specific protocols, and a lack of ongoing professional development. Through a scoping review, available evidence from scientific literature and technical documents was analyzed to identify practices, challenges, and tools used by nurses in the early detection of such disorders. The results showed that although tools such as M-CHAT, CARS, ESAT, DENVER II, MSEL, AMSE, and ADI-R are recognized for their effectiveness, their application in clinical practice remains limited. The literature highlights the importance of nurses in family guidance, monitoring child development, and working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams. Strategies such as home visits, psychosocial interventions, and the use of educational technologies have proven effective. It is concluded that strengthening professional training, implementing specific protocols, and integrating diagnostic tools are essential measures to improve nursing performance in this field.