Autistic spectrum disorder: Early detection by family health strategy nurses

Abstract

Objective: to identify the role of Family Health Strategy nurses in the early detection of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in children. Method: descriptive, exploratory, qualitative research carried out in a capital city in the Northeast region of Brazil. The participants were 10 nurses who took a test to have a permanent job and work in the Family Health Strategy. Data collection took place in 2014 through individual interview, direct observation, and field diary. Thematic analysis was used, with data interpreted by the framework of the Guidelines for Rehabilitation Care of Autistic Spectrum Disorder Patients. Results: the thematic areas were: perception, strategies and interventions of nurses on symptoms and signs; difficulties related to early detection; construction of knowledge on the subject; and professionals' feelings when accompanying children with the Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Conclusion: the Family Health Strategy nurses had deficiencies in the early detection of the Autistic Spectrum Disorder in children.