Trastorno del espectro autista

Abstract

The disorders of the autism spectrum (pervasive developmental disorders) already described in 2013 in the current classification specified in the DSM-V, encompass a group of diseases that have in common the characteristics of: impairment of social interaction, little imaginative activity, alteration of verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Although early detection is very important, in practice it is extremely difficult, and a minimum of children with suspected of ASD are reported to more specialized services before 3 years of age. In addition, the time which elapses from the first sign until reaching the diagnosis of the case causes a lot of uncertainty and anguish for the families; so that everything that provides necessary support will reduce markedly the stress and suffering of family members and will help to plan the community services required later. The barriers that cause this delayed recognition of ASD are found in the detection channels: family environment; health, education, social services. Early detection of ASD and the introduction of an early treatment program in all settings in which the child lives improves the prognosis of autistic symptoms, cognitive abilities and functional adaptation to his environment. In the case discussed in this work that was captured in the external consultation of the Psychiatric Service of the Provincial General Teaching Hospital Riobamba, it is about a 12 year old girl who comes to the clinic for presenting self aggression as well as with her family members. Patient with a history of an apparently normal or imperceptible neurodevelopment of pathology by her parents and family doctor during the first 18 months of life, where for the first time it is suspected that her development is not appropriate. Reason for starting with a series of clinical and paraclinical examinations until reaching an initial diagnosis "pervasive development disorder" that with the different updates has been modified to "disorders of the autistic spectrum".