On World Autism Awareness Day, Dr. Marion Alleyne, a pediatric neurologist at Hospiten Paitilla, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a key factor to significantly improve child development and patients' quality of life. ASD is defined by the specialist as a biological neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain function and the configuration of the nervous system. Studies indicate that 65% of children diagnosed before 2.5 years show remarkable clinical improvements, compared to 23% of those who receive a diagnosis later. The expert emphasized that brain plasticity in the early years allows for maximizing the results of therapies, favoring cognitive development, language, and future autonomy, facilitating integration into regular educational environments and social activities. From a medical perspective, managing ASD requires a multidisciplinary team composed of pediatric neurologists or child psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. Alleyne emphasized that the treatment plan must be strictly personalized, based on the specific strengths and challenges of each child. This implies setting achievable goals and adapting the intensity of therapies to the patient's family and school context. In the local context, data from the National Disability Service (SENADIS) indicates that between 2008 and 2021, 967 people were certified with this condition, with a higher prevalence in males, although the country still lacks an updated census. Dr. Alleyne called on parents to act immediately on any warning signs, recommending a pediatric consultation and a multidisciplinary evaluation as the 'gold rule' to make a significant difference in the child's future. Main indicators for suspicion: Lack of response when called by name, limited eye contact and scarce imitation of gestures, difficulties in symbolic play and sensory sensitivity, repetitive movements and rigidity to routine changes. The neurologist explained that the diagnosis is not based on a single medical test but on a comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes behavioral observation and the use of specialized tools such as ADOS-2, ADI-R, M-CHAT-R/F, and ASQ-3 to assess various areas of development. The scientific evidence presented by the specialist demonstrates that early intervention positively impacts the prognosis.
