Autism Spectrum Disorder: benefits of early intervention for the child’s cognitive and adaptive development

Abstract

Objective: To bring information about the involvement of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children, to present how its clinical investigation and diagnosis is carried out and to demonstrate the importance of early intervention in diagnosed children. Bibliographic Review: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes delays in communication and socialization of the child, which presents restricted and/or repetitive behavioral patterns. Such symptoms are classified into levels of severity and, although there is no cure, the damage can be mitigated if diagnosed and treated early, taking advantage of early childhood as a sensitive period of development, a time when the brain has a greater capacity for learning and adaptation. Final considerations: The earlier the diagnosis and intervention in the life of the autistic child, the better their prognosis and quality of life, since brain plasticity is used as a window of opportunity to alleviate symptoms and recover skills, enabling their best cognitive and adaptive development.