Factors involved in identifying signals of risk and early intervention for autist spectrum disorder: an integrative review of literature

Abstract

Introduction: Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder and is characterized by media problems and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Objective: To investigate, in academic production, the identification of risk’s signs
of ASD by health professionals and the disease’s early intervention. Data source: This is an integrative literature review of studies
published from 2009 to 2019, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, using the SciELO and LILACS databases, at the Virtual Health Library (VHL). The keywords used were: “Autistic Disorder”, “Risk”, “Screening” and “Early Medical Intervention”. Data synthesis: Seventeen articles were included. From that reading, three categories were created, highlighting the need to identify signs of ASD risk, that are often recognized by family members initially. It also highlights the need of an early intervention and the limitation of health professionals on the identification of the disorder’s warning signs. Moreover, there are several instruments that can be used in the screening of ASD, however, there is a limitation in their availability in Brazil. Conclusions: The study shows the importance of promoting a greater knowledge regarding the perception of risk’s signs for the development of ASD among the general population, family and the health and education professionals. As well as the importance of the adoption of protocols that require the effective use of risk’s identification instruments and consequently the disease’s early intervention.