Atuação da enfermagem à criança com autismo na estratégia saúde da família em Picos-PI

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an important public health issue, with a progressively increasing prevalence, requiring primary care professionals, especially nurses, to be better prepared for early recognition of signs and appropriate case management. Given the relevance of this topic and the lack of local studies, this study aimed to investigate the role of nursing in Primary Care in providing care to individuals with ASD in the municipality of Picos/PI, identifying the level of knowledge, clinical management, and care coordination among these professionals. This is a quantitative, descriptive study conducted between September 2024 and November 2025, involving 30 nurses working in Family Health Strategy teams in both urban and rural areas of the municipality. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire created on Google Forms, including sociodemographic, professional, knowledge, and clinical management variables related to ASD. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel 2013, and results were discussed based on relevant scientific literature. The results showed a predominance of female nurses aged between 40 and 49 years. Although most participants were familiar with the concept of ASD and could identify its main diagnostic pillars, many were unfamiliar with or did not use the M-CHAT screening tool during well-child visits. Furthermore, most nurses were able to recognize clinical manifestations suggestive of ASD and consequently make appropriate referrals to secondary care. However, few had specific training on autism, and communication with specialized services was lacking, highlighting weaknesses in care coordination and longitudinality. The main difficulties identified were an excessive workload in the Family Health Strategy, lack of managerial support, and gaps in technical knowledge. The discussion highlighted that, although nurses demonstrated satisfactory conceptual knowledge, the absence of specific training and unfamiliarity with formal protocols, such as the M-CHAT, compromised early detection and comprehensive care. Therefore, the adoption of standardized protocols is essential to guide clinical practice and ensure equity in the healthcare network. In conclusion, despite the observed limitations, nurses in Picos/PI showed a committed and positive performance in recognizing and referring suspected cases of ASD, reinforcing their relevance in the provision of comprehensive care. Nonetheless, investment in continuing education, strengthening of support networks, and intersectoral integration remain necessary.