CHILD DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES AND ITS RELATION WITH THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

This theoretical article proposes a reflection on the relationship between the milestones of child development and the identification of changes in the behavior of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is assumed that knowledge about the set of skills expected for most children of a given age enhances the early diagnosis of ASD. Indeed, health and/or education professionals can effectively identify warning signs for the disorder. The present work was based on a bibliographic review, from the access to books, chapters and articles on the highlighted theme. It was found that knowledge about the typical milestones of child development is essential for professionals to adequately deal with the vicissitudes of childhood, especially with regard to the identification of possible atypical signs, or risk factors for development. Finally, it should be noted that the identification of developmental delays, as well as the definition of the diagnosis and the early start of the intervention are determining factors for minimizing the losses resulting from ASD in the child's future life.