A relevância do professor na suspeita de autismo em crianças

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social communication and by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Early identification is fundamental to ensuring appropriate interventions capable of significantly improving the child's development and quality of life. In this context, educators in Early Childhood Education and the first years of Elementary School play a central role in detecting initial signs, since it is in the school environment that the child spends most of their time in social interactions and structured activities. This article discusses the importance of teacher observation, the role of the school in building the process of suspicion and referral, and the challenges faced by education professionals. It concludes that continuous training and articulation with multidisciplinary teams are essential for an effective and responsible inclusion process.