Dados do Trabalho

Título

PERCEPTION OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS REGARDING IDENTIFICATION OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Introdução

Autism Spectrum Disorder is the term used to describe a constellation of deficits in social communication and repetitive sensory and motor behaviors. It is characterized by a early onset and a robust genetic component.
In Brazil, in addition to difficulties inflicted by the disease itself, there are structural limitations assignable to underdevelopment. There is a pilgrimage of these children and their caregivers in search of clarification, which obviously results in a delayed diagnosis.
Once Primary Care is the main entrance for these children into the health system, the role of family physicians is discussed in order to achieve better care for autistic children.

Objetivo

To assess the perception of family physicians regarding the early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder in their clinical practices, in the Northern region of Brazilian Federal District.

Métodos

The research performs a descriptive, cross-sectional, qualitative study, using a semi-structured questionnaire.
The subjects of the study are the family physicians with a brazilian board certification, allocated in the delimited area. Each interview was recorded for later transcription of the content. Ultimately, the number of physicians to be heard was defined by coding operations, according to Laurence Bardin's Content Analysis method, which proposes an exhaustive reading and a thematic grouping of ideas.

Resultados

Physicians reported barely any discussion corcerning autism in college. Through residency, the first cases arose, and, consequently, a theoretical basis began to be required. Notwithstanding, after the training years, interviewees refer to have actively searched for an autism spectrum approach, once patients' demand continues to escalate.
Family doctors tend to suspect autism in children over 2 years old, especially when the main caregiver or the kindergarten carer identifies speech and language delay, as well as poor socialization and stereotyped movements.
Common complaints mentioned were the lack of transdisciplinary follow-up, the abscence of longitudinal medical capacitation and scarse feedback regarding children referred to other levels of care.

Conclusões

The increase in diagnoses seen worldwide is reflected in primary care.
Family physicians demonstrate concern and responsibility regarding autistic patients. However, due to the lack of structured, intuitive and widespread flowcharts and limited transdisciplinary support, these children are belatedly diagnosed, missing opportunities to be nurtured.

Palavras chave

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Family Medicine; Primary Care

Referências (se houver)

1. FLORES, M. R.; SMEHA, L. N. Bebês com risco de autismo: o não-olhar do médico. Ágora (Rio de Janeiro), v. 16, p. 141 – 157, 04 2013.
2. GÓES, F. A. de B. Um Encontro Inesperado: Os Pais e Seu Filho com Deficiência Mental. PSICOLOGIA CIÊNCIA E PROFISSÃO, v. 26, n. 3, p. 450 – 461, 2006.
3. GOMES, P. T. M. et al. Autism in Brazil: a systematic review of family challenges and coping strategies. J Pediatr (Rio J), v. 91, n. 2, p. 111 – 121, 2015.
4. LORD, C. et al. Autism spectrum disorder. Lancet, v. 392, n. 10146, p. 508 – 520, 11 2018.
5. SANCHACK, K. E.; THOMAS, C. A. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Primary Care Principles. Am Fam Physician, v. 94, n. 12, p. 972 – 979A, 12 2016.

Declaração de conflito de interesses de TODOS os autores

The author Yan Victor Araújo Rodrigues declares no potential conflict of interest relevant to this research.
The author Renata Orlandi Rubim declares no potential conflict of interest relevant to this research.