Sinais precoces de risco de autismo em bebês com síndrome de Down

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a systematic survey on the identification of autism spectrum disorder in Down syndrome. Data source: Electronic search in the VHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase databases. The studies were selected by two independent reviewers. This review followed the PRISMA methodological parameters. Data synthesis: The search resulted in 1,729 articles, including 15 articles that met the inclusion criteria. One study addressed early signs of risk of autism, nine addressed the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in Down syndrome and five the prevalence. Heterogeneity in sample composition and criteria and methods of investigation and diagnosis were observed. Conclusions: The scientific evidence on autism spectrum disorder in Down syndrome is still inconclusive. The importance of screening procedures for qualitative social aspects in the first year of life is highlighted. Careful evaluation methods are needed to establish the diagnosis, including the choice of appropriate instruments, development and cognition, qualitative aspects of social interaction, among others.