Applied Behavior Analysis: the importance of public policies for early diagnosis in cases of people with autism spectrum disorder Thamyres Silverio Figueiredo Thamyres Silverio Figueiredo Thamyres Silverio Figueiredo, Gabriel Geovany da Silva César, Amélia Cohn

Abstract

To understand the impact and importance of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based Therapy in the early diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: This is a bibliographic research, with a qualitative approach, in which documents prepared by the Ministry of Health and articles such as those by Bezerra (2018) and Jesus and Couto (2021) will be used, which will provide a sufficient basis to present knowledge about autism, ABA science and reflect on the impact of this therapy on early diagnosis, in addition to public policies aimed at the subject in Brazil. Results: ABA science has a positive impact, especially when used as a mechanism for early diagnosis, since it stimulates the process of absorption of knowledge and learning of individuals in a natural, attentive, careful way and by trained professionals/family members, who understand their needs and adapt activities to them. In Brazil, there are already models of this practice in the SUS. Conclusions: ABA therapy is an excellent mechanism to stimulate the development of skills in children, even in the early stages of childhood, which will provide them with greater autonomy, independence and behaviors appropriate to the realities in which they find themselves and which will allow them to live a life with more quality. In addition, the Unified Health System (SUS) has proven to be an essential tool in the visibility of the positive impact that ABA therapy provides in the identification of autism under early diagnosis and in the implementation of action plans in care, directed and specialized to the development of individuals with ASD.