In 2025, for the first time, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) released data from the 2022 Demographic Census related to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Brazil. According to the information presented, approximately 2.4 million Brazilians were within the autism spectrum that year.
The release of this data represented a historical milestone, since, until then, the country did not have official information about ASD. This milestone also broadened the debate about visibility, inclusion, and the need to strengthen public policies aimed at people on the spectrum. This is because, despite being relatively well-known, Autism Spectrum Disorders still face significant challenges. Among them are prejudice, misinformation, and a lack of understanding among the population about their specific needs.
In this article, you will understand what Autism Spectrum Disorders are, how they manifest, and what the current criteria are for diagnosis and treatment.
What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Previously, Autism Spectrum Disorders were subclassified according to the characteristics and intensity of the disorder's manifestations. Names such as classic autism, Asperger's syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder were part of these classifications. However, due to the numerous overlaps between the conditions, this division is no longer considered functional from a clinical point of view.
Thus, the scientific community began to use the definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which encompasses the different presentations of the disorder within a single spectrum.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by persistent difficulties in communication and social interaction, associated with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Manifestations vary widely among individuals, both in type and in intensity and frequency.
Signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders
The signs and symptoms of ASD can manifest as early as the first year of life. However, due to variations in the intensity of the manifestations, it is common for some signs to go unnoticed until school age.
Regardless of when they appear, two central characteristics are usually present:
- Deficits in communication and social interactions: these include difficulty initiating or responding to social interactions, limitations in understanding body language and nonverbal cues, difficulty adjusting behavior to the social context, and challenges in establishing and maintaining friendships.
- Repetitive and restricted patterns of behavior, interests, and/or activities: these can manifest through the repetition of speech or movements and rigid adherence to routines or rituals. They also include intense and fixed interests in specific topics, as well as extreme reactions to sensory stimuli, such as textures or sounds.
These manifestations need to be present from childhood. Furthermore, they only become clinically relevant when they significantly impact the child's interaction in different environments, such as home, school, or social contexts. The assessment should also take into account the child's developmental level and cultural aspects.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the comorbid conditions frequently associated with ASD. Intellectual disability and learning disabilities, for example, are relatively common, as is the occurrence of seizures, which can affect up to 40% of children with ASD.
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
The diagnosis of ASD is clinical and based on the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria require evidence of persistent impairment in communication and social interaction, as well as the presence of at least two behaviors related to restricted and repetitive patterns.
Furthermore, as part of the diagnostic process, screening tests can also be included in the assessment. One such test is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2), typically administered by specialized psychologists and pediatricians. In some cases, metabolic and genetic tests can also help identify treatable diseases or hereditary conditions.
Treatment of the Disorder
The treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders is generally interdisciplinary, involving physicians, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educators. Therapeutic approaches are directed towards both the development of communication and language as well as behavioral and functional aspects.
Interventions should be individualized, considering the patient's profile, the intensity of the symptoms, and the impact of the disorder on their daily life. Continuous monitoring is essential to promote progress in autonomy, behavior, and social skills.
When started early, treatment contributes significantly to motor, cognitive, social, and functional development throughout life.
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