19/12/2016
Text and images: Luiz Paulo Juttel / Ascom – ISD
CEPS trains nurses in Macaíba on the importance of early detection of Autism
Brazil has around 2 million people who suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Worldwide, this estimate reaches 70 million. As this is a topic of action by the Anita Garibaldi Health Education and Research Center (CEPS), the institution's multidisciplinary preceptors organized a Training Course on the Importance of Early Detection of Autism in November and December for nurses in the municipality of Macaíba. The strategy's main objective was to enable professionals who are closest to children in the community to notice signs that could, at an early stage, suggest the diagnosis of Autism.
The earlier ASD is detected in children, the greater the possibilities for medical intervention and cognitive development. Around 20 nurses participated in the training held in two meetings. The first of these began with a video that showed a child during his daily activities. The instructors divided the participants into groups and asked them to analyze and discuss the behaviors of the child shown in the video, highlighting possible signs of Autism. After this dynamic, there was a large group debate and theoretical lectures on the topic. The second day of the training, held approximately a month after the first, served to deepen the themes discussed in the first meeting.
Child neurologist Celina Reis explains that the objective of the course promoted by CEPS was not to train nurses to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder, because this is done by a multidisciplinary team that seeks to verify and eliminate the finding of other possible associated diseases. to neurodevelopment. “Our objective here is to train professionals to identify early signs of ASD and appropriately guide parents to seek medical help. Many families do not accept that their children have a neurological disability and delay looking for a specialist”, explains Reis.
The signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder encompass deficits in three joint spheres: social interaction, communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. CEPS Child Psychologist, Samantha Maranhão, warns that it is important for parents to observe the quality and intensity of these signs, as well as the relationship of these behaviors with the child's social context. The disorder also appears in greater numbers in boys, it is present in four boys for every girl.
In addition to Celina Reis and Samantha Maranhão, children's speech therapist, Flávia Gobbi, participated in the CEPS Course.
