Autismo e instrumentos de avaliação da inteligência : uma revisão da literatura nacional

Abstract

Autistic Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in the areas of communication, social interaction and behavior. Its clinical presentation is highly variable, impacting to a greater or lesser degree several areas of development. The DSM 5, indicates that the intellectual profile is often variable and raises the need to understand this feature, since research indicates that there is frequent comorbidity with Intellectual Disability. This work aimed to analyze in the national (Brazilian) scientific literature studies on the most suitable tests for the assessment of the intelligence of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this bibliographic survey, 02 articles and 01 master's paper were found that brought up this theme. The studies raised the importance of understanding the intellectual profile of this population for the implementation of more effective and targeted interventions, and the care in choosing the most appropriate instrument so that such cognitive skills are not underestimated, considering the deficits that a child with ASD presents, mainly related to language. The SON-R 2 ½ - 7 [a] Test and the RAVEN Colorful Progressive Matrices Test, were shown to be suitable for assessing the intelligence of children with ASD, since they are non-verbal instruments, that is, it is not necessary to do use of oral or written language to apply and respond to the test. The studies also report on a specific profile of intellectual skills that are characterized by non-verbal IQ higher than verbal IQ and on well-developed visuospatial skills that favor their performance in tasks that require them. More research is needed, considering other instruments validated in Brazil to assess this cognitive ability, which may contribute to a more reliable intellectual profile of the child, thus favoring his global development.