OBSTACLES IN THE CARE OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

In Brazil, since the 1988 Constitution, Primary Health Care (PHC) has been consolidated as a gateway to health services, with health promotion, prevention, rehabilitation and maintenance functions. However, it still faces challenges in offering qualified assistance to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), due to the complexity of this condition. Objective: To describe the existing obstacles in the care of people with autism spectrum disorder in Primary Health Care. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, with a qualitative approach and descriptive character. The search was carried out in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL), Public Medline (PubMed) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The selected articles were in Portuguese and English, published from 2019 to 2024, and were used as descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Primary Health Care. Results: Among 169 publications, 8 articles were included in the study. It is noted that PHC still presents obstacles in the qualified care of individuals with ASD because it is a topic little debated in undergraduate courses, lack of preparation of professionals, deficit in care and lack of training. Conclusion: The lack of preparation and continuous training compromises the quality of ASD care, making it essential to include the topic in undergraduate courses, promote continuing education and implement the National Policy for the Protection of the Rights of People with ASD.