There are currently 36,000 students with autism, also called Autistic Spectrum Disorder (TEA), according to official data from the School Census 2023 published in 2024. The number of enrollment of people with autism in the country almost doubled from 2022 to 2023 . Despite the increase, the diagnosis of the disorder is still a problem between parents with autistic children, experts – making these people as adults sometimes realize the disorder late.
The doctor Antonio Geraldo President of the Brazilian Association of Psychiatry, warns of the difficulty in the diagnosis of adults with autism. Many develop camouflage strategies throughout their lives, which can mask the signs of the disorder.
“The sooner the diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis, then improving the chances of healthy development and the better quality of life for the child,” he told CNN .
According to Neuropsychologists and Speiclae in Behavior Analysis and Tatiana Serra, currently, the diagnosis in childhood has become more accessible, which is fundamental, as early identification allows you to start intervention early on. This can contribute to better development and a more favorable prognosis.
However, doctors warn that awareness should be the focus of the state, as some parents and guardians may not know how to identify the signs.
When the person is adult, it can be more difficult to identify the disorder. “Many people already have associated comorbidities, which can mask the signs of the disorder. In addition, lack of self-knowledge can make self-perception and description of their own characteristics difficult. In addition, resistance to seek help or obtaining a diagnosis, making the process even more complex,” says Tatiana.
“The sooner the diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis, then improving the chances of healthy development and the better quality of life for the child,” says Antonio.
Which signs observe for the diagnosis of autism
Some signs of autism are more evident in childhood, such as absence or little eye contact, the professionals explain.
“Parents should be aware of signs such as speech delays, lack of eye contact, difficulty interacting with other children, lack of response to their own name, restricted interests and sometimes repetitive behaviors,” says the psychiatrist.
As Tatiana explains, children can also play stereotypically, such as revolving around themselves or turning toy wheels repeatedly for long periods. “Another common feature is the difficulty with certain textures, including food. In addition, the child can be extremely shy or have difficulties in integrating with other children of the same age.”
“Those responsible need to observe the child a lot to help her briefly and end this prejudice to think that it is not a psychiatric illness. What really needs to go to a childhood and adolescence psychiatrist to, from an early age, along with a multiprofessional team, do a targeted job,” adds Antonio Geraldo.
Possible cause of autism
“The causes of autism are not completely understood, but it is believed that a combination of genetic factors with environmental factors will contribute to the development of this disorder and adaptations,” says the professional.
Tatiana Serra points out that the main one would be the genetic predisposition, which, combined with environmental influencesefficiency of folic acid during pregnancy, exposure to toxic substances and maternal conditions such as depression can contribute to the development of the disorder.
As science advances in understanding autism, diagnosis and treatment are expected to improve. However, it is essential that society will continue to become aware of the subject, avoiding judgments and prejudices, and offering the necessary support for people with ASD and their families.
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This content was originally published in autism: what signs to observe and possible causes on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil

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