Keywords
Early diagnosis
Early detection
Difficulties
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the recent literature regarding the main difficulties in the early diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: This is an integrative literature review, carried out in the PubMed database, aiming to answer the question “What are the main difficulties in the early diagnosis of ASD?”. Clinical study articles and reviews published in the last five years in English were searched. Results: 20 articles related to the main difficulties in the diagnosis of ASD were identified, many of which aimed to evaluate the efficiency of new methods or techniques for early screening of ASD. These diagnostic tools range from biochemical markers, clinical examinations such as MRI scans, and the application of tools such as checklists, tests and interviews with parents. Final considerations: In general, the studies analyzed show the difficulties in identifying efficient methods for the early diagnosis of ASD, although there are several potentially promising techniques. The need, therefore, for further developments in this field is an impediment to the systematic application of these new early detection instruments.
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