Reflexões acerca do diagnóstico de autismo

Abstract

This study aims to analyze cases of children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or have suspected such diagnosis, taking into account the importance of a differential diagnosis between autism and psychosis in this age group. It is observed from the history of the diagnosis of autism that ASD ended up homogenizing and absorbing other serious developmental disorders, in the condition of exclusion of childhood psychosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the accelerated growth of the autism diagnosis. It is hypothesized that, currently, within the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), autism is confused with psychosis and other serious disorders present in childhood and adolescence. The research was carried out at the Center for Psychosocial Care for Children and Adolescents (CAPSi) in Asa Norte – Brasília – Federal District (DF), using a sample of two cases. The case study was used as a research methodology, and for data analysis, Laurence Bardin’s content analysis. From the results, it was concluded the importance of carrying out a diagnostic investigation based on listening to the subject, seeking to understand the subject in relation and not only from the analysis of so-called observable signs and symptoms.