NURSING CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH CONTEXT: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR HUMANIZED CARE

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized as a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior, requiring multidisciplinary follow-up and humanized care within health services. In this context, nursing plays a fundamental role in promoting welcoming practices, comprehensive care, and improving the quality of life of individuals with ASD and their families. This study aims to analyze the main challenges faced by nursing professionals in assisting patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder within public health services, as well as discuss strategies for humanized care and professional qualification. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach, based on scientific articles published between 2020 and 2026 in the SciELO, Virtual Health Library (BVS), PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The results revealed difficulties related to the lack of specific professional training, communication barriers, structural limitations of health services, and weaknesses in the implementation of public policies aimed at people with ASD. Humanized practices, continuing education, and strengthened multidisciplinary care were identified as important factors for improving nursing assistance. It is concluded that professional qualification, combined with humanized care and strengthened public policies, is essential to ensure comprehensive, inclusive, and effective care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder..