There is a lot of confusion about the referral indication in the case of autism spectrum disorder, as the role each professional plays (USMIA and neuropediatrics) is not well known.
Guidelines for the care of patients with ASD.
The following guides provide interesting information regarding the different responsibilities attributed to each.
Diagnostic-therapeutic process in our clinic.
- First visit (30 minutes). Anamnesis, observational developmental assessment, clinical examination, and collection of data from other professionals (CAT, school, private psychologist, etc.).
- Developmental diagnosis.
- Diagnosis of ASD if symptoms are unequivocal and of sufficient intensity, and referral to USMIA for them to start follow-up.
- Etiological diagnostic plan (first-level complementary tests).
- Problem-oriented therapeutic plan.
- Developmental diagnosis.
- Successive visit "n" (15 minutes). Biannual.
- Review of complementary test results.
- Etiological diagnostic plan (if further complementary tests are required) or conclusion of the etiological diagnostic process.
- Developmental reevaluation.
- Reevaluation of autism spectrum symptoms and diagnosis if criteria are met. Consider requesting USMIA involvement in cases of difficult diagnosis due to comorbidity or low-intensity symptoms.
- Problem-oriented therapeutic plan.
- Review of complementary test results.
- Closing visit.
- Resolution of issues in the therapeutic plan, or initiation of follow-up by another professional with greater therapeutic resources (USMIA).
- Finalization of the etiological study.
Main objectives of the clinic.
- Early start of stimulation in all cases, regardless of the existence of autism spectrum symptoms or whether their presence is sufficient to establish an ASD diagnosis. The objective of the intervention is to prevent the development of the disorder; therefore, action must start before a clinical diagnosis is available, ideally between 12 and 18 months with the appearance of the first symptoms, or earlier depending on the presence of significant risk factors.
- Early diagnosis as far as possible, and weighing the risk-benefit balance against diagnostic imprecision. Ideally, a firm diagnosis would be desirable before 2 years of age in cases of grade 3 ASD.
- Etiological study and genetic and reproductive counseling for families with immediate reproductive desire.
- Symptomatic treatment of difficulties manageable pharmacologically.
- Provide continuity of psychoeducational intervention through public educational resources when therapeutic support in early intervention ends, accompanying them in the administrative process.