Primary care professionals will take the test that detects signs of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in all children aged 16 to 30 months, as part of the development assessment routine. The guidance is in the new line of care for ASD, launched this Thursday (18) by the Ministry of Health.
The expectation, according to the folder, is that interventions and stimuli to these patients occur even before the diagnosis is closed. “Early action is fundamental to autonomy and future social interaction,” said the ministry in a statement.
“For the first time, the ministry establishes a line of care for the center of it, the most important recommendation, is the effort of early diagnosis at the beginning of care and interventions,” said Health Minister Alexandre Padilha.
For the minister, the new line of care is a powerful and comprehensive instrument.
“For us to make not only the earlier diagnosis possible, but care and interventions earlier. No need to close the diagnosis to start the actions. It has a great impact on the development of these children,” he added.
Numbers
The government estimates that. Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) indicate that 71% of this population also present other disabilities, which, according to the Ministry, reinforces the need for integrated actions via the Unified Health System (SUS).
“The new line of care launched by the Ministry of Health guides managers and health professionals about how the network should work, from primary care to specialized services, focusing on early screening and at the immediate beginning of assistance,” said the ministry.
Test
The screening test for ASD, known as M-CHAT, identifies signs of autism in children in the early years of life. Through early detection, the idea is that professionals can refer and guide families in relation to the necessary stimuli and interventions on a case by case basis.
The questionnaire is available at the child’s digital booklet and also in the E-SUS electronic medical record. Already the stimuli and therapies for children with signs of ASD were made available in the updated edition of the early intervention guide, which should be placed in public consultation from today.
Individualized treatment
Another ministry proposal involves the strengthening of the singular therapeutic project (PTS), which provides for a treatment plan and individualized, built between multiprofessional teams and families.
“The new line of care also advises on referral flows, clarifying when the patient treated in the centers specializing in rehabilitation (CER) should be referred to other services, such as mental health, if the patient has some psychic suffering,” said the portfolio.
Reception and support
The new line of care for ASD also highlights the importance of welcoming and supporting families, recognizing the central role of parents and caregivers in child development.
The actions include parental guidance, support groups and training of primary care professionals to stimulate practices in the home environment in order to complement the work of multiprofessional teams.
“This seeks to reduce the overload of families and promote healthier affective bonds,” added the ministry, which articulates the implementation of the World Health Organization Skills Training Program (WHO) for families with children with ASD or developed delay.
See also: Brazil has 2.4 million people with autism
