Critérios de encaminhamentos de crianças com suspeita de transtorno do espectro autista para tratamento: um estudo de caso

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been increasingly diagnosed in children, drawing attention from the fields of health, education, and public policy. However, the rise in diagnoses has not been accompanied by validated protocols for the Brazilian population. This dissertation aimed to investigate the criteria used in the referrals of children suspected of having ASD for assessment and treatment, analyzing clinical documents through the lens of Historical-Cultural Psychology. The research is grounded in the understanding that human development is a dynamic and socially mediated process, and that referrals are not neutral, but rather practices shaped by values, discourses, and cultural expectations. The methodology was qualitative in nature, characterized as a case study conducted in a specific context, with a focus on the document analysis of referrals for assessment and treatment issued by a clinic specialized in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The analysis revealed a prevalence of standardized prescriptions, lack of individualized clinical justifications, predominance of medical prescriptions without interdisciplinary dialogue, and the invisibility of children's singularities. The results point to the need for a critical review of referral practices and greater coordination among healthcare professionals, especially regarding the construction of the therapeutic plan. This dissertation contributes to the debate on the medicalization of childhood, professional training, and the ethical and technical challenges of psychological assessment in the field of ASD.