Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by atypical behavior, language, and social interaction, with a multifactorial etiology involving genetic and environmental factors. Late diagnosis of ASD significantly impacts neurological development, therapeutic management, and the quality of life of individuals and their families. In this context, this study seeks to describe neurological development and its influence on late diagnosis, as well as to identify the difficulties encountered by healthcare professionals in the early detection of ASD and the difficulties faced by families. Objective: To investigate the effects of late diagnosis of ASD on neural development and the management of its difficulties by professionals and families. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, based on the following steps of the PRISMA protocol: identification of the theme and formulation of the research question; search and selection of scientific articles; data extraction from selected studies/ categorization; critical appraisal of the studies included in the integrative review; synthesis of results and presentation of the review. Results: Among the studies in the reviewed sample, prevalent themes were observed. The most frequently addressed themes were “Difficulties that Healthcare Professionals Encounter in the Early Detection of ASD and Family Difficulties” with 21 articles, “Early Identification as an Influence on the Acceptance of the Diagnosis by Families at Later Times” with 9 articles, and “Neural Development and the Influence of Late Diagnosis” with 2 articles. Discussion: Delayed diagnosis not only compromises brain plasticity and executive functions but also exacerbates inclusion challenges, limiting the effectiveness of early interventions and affecting the quality of life of patients and their families. The lack of standardized protocols and the need for longitudinal studies that allow for monitoring this development in the face of different diagnostic and treatment methods are highlighted. Final consideration: The late diagnosis of ASD harms neurological development and family well-being, reinforcing the need for improvements in health actions aimed at accelerating diagnosis, making it urgent to strengthen early intervention policies.

Keywords

autism spectrum disorder, family relations, health personnel, neurodevelopmental disorders