DIAGNOSIS OF HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER: SCOPING REVIEW

ABSTRACT

High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFA) is characterized as support level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which, before the update proposed by DSM-5, was titled Asperger Syndrome. Due to the absence of language delay, intellectual disability, or other evident losses and impairments, the HFA diagnosis process tends to occur late and, in many cases, only in adulthood, compromising therapeutic intervention in the early years of development, when there is great brain neuroplasticity. Based on this premise, this article sought, through a Scoping Review, to survey how the HFA diagnosis process occurs, as well as the characteristics and needs of this population. To this end, 53 articles published in international databases were analyzed, which allowed us to present an overview of the process and consequences of diagnosis, gender differences, and comorbidities associated with HFA. The results found highlight the need for more qualified professionals, with knowledge not only of ASD but mainly about human development.

KEYWORDS:
Autism Spectrum Disorder; High Functionality; Scoping review.