Prevalência de crianças com risco para o transtorno do espectro autista em creches, a partir da aplicação do M-CHATR- F e os Possíveis fatores associados.

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of children at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder in day care centers, based on the application of the M-CHAT-R-F and possible associated factors. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach carried out from December 2022 to March 2023, with a sample of 80 mothers and/or caregivers of children aged between 16 and 30 months. The variables analyzed were sociodemographic, perinatal and child development, and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R/F) instrument for autism risk. Prevalence by absolute and relative frequencies and Fisher's association test were used. Results and discussion: It was evidenced that 100% of the parents and/or caregivers were female, and the majority (97.5%) mothers, with complete secondary education (63.8%), own property (65%) and family income provider (57.5%), ranging from half to <1 minimum wage (75%). A low risk for autism prevailed (91,25%) and the possible factors associated with the risk of autism were related to perinatal characteristics with a statistically significant association between parent kinship (p= 0.000) and developmental classification (p= 0.000), strengthening the evidence that one of the main causes of autism is heredity, and the importance of monitoring the child's development. Conclusion: The relevance of the educational scenario is demonstrated to provide opportunities for autism screening and, thus, the follow-up of the child for investigation and early diagnosis, contributing to the improvement of the child's quality of life. Furthermore, it may contribute to sensitize managers and health professionals about the importance of using screening instruments for continued care in childcare consultations. Keywords: Screening; Autism Spectrum Di