Autism: HSM offers specialized support for children, adolescents and adults

April 2, 2024 – 1:51 pm
Specialized Support autism awareness HSM

Every two months, housewife Cleidiane Amorim da Silva, 39 years old, leaves Jaguaruana, in Vale do Jaguaribe, heading to Fortaleza. She is the mother of a six-year-old boy, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Monitoring has been carried out for two years by the Child and Adolescent Care Center (Naia) of the Professor Frota Pinto Mental Health Hospital (HSM), linked to the Ceará Health Department (Sesa).

“It was here at Naia that I confirmed these two diagnoses. At first, it was very difficult because I didn’t expect it, but during the consultations with the specialists I came to understand that it is possible to achieve progress, evolution and alleviation of the signs and symptoms of these disorders. Before the treatment, for example, he couldn’t stand any kind of noise, not even rain. Now he can live better with these sounds. Even relationships with other children, which were very complicated, are now much calmer,” he reveals.

Cleidiane Amorim, mother of an autistic child, recognizes the importance of specialized and multidisciplinary monitoring at the Mental Health Hospital

She recognizes that she has gone through difficult times with depression and anxiety. “I go to therapy because I need to be well emotionally to take care of him and face possible crises. Right here, in the hospital, I receive psychological guidance. There is still a lot of prejudice in society too and it is not easy to deal with. I recommend the use of a badge and lanyard that help with identification for people with hidden disabilities and make it easier to understand some behaviors and access rights, such as queues, seats and preferential spaces,” she says.

Naia serves children and teenagers who live in the capital and in the interior of the state of Ceará. In 2023, the service welcomed 4,294 people. Care for patients with autism represents 54.91% of the total number of visits to the outpatient clinic, which means a total of 2,358 patients with autism. When HSM emerged last year, 262 people with this profile were received.

During Autism Awareness Week, HSM reinforces the importance of paying attention to the first symptoms so that diagnosis and follow-up are carried out as quickly as possible.

READ TOO: Lucas Maia: teacher, manager and autistic person who works to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities and the end of ableism

Psychiatrist Denise Evangelista, who works at HSM, notes that Brazil has an estimated six million people living with autism. “ASD is a neurobiological condition of genetic origin that can be influenced by environmental factors, causing harm to the developing baby during pregnancy. Therefore, myths such as vaccination, breeding methods or mothers who show little affection are not factors that have a correlation with autism”, says Evangelista.

According to the psychiatrist, any symptom or behavior that could harm an individual’s family, school or social life should be investigated. “If it brings negative consequences such as separation from friends and stress at home, it must be taken care of. There are no specific medications for autism, but some can be used to treat symptoms and behaviors that disrupt the person’s overall functioning, ensuring their adherence to multidisciplinary therapies, reducing their suffering and improving their quality of life,” she says.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ASD is clinical, and there is no specific test to prove it. During the consultation, the doctor, together with the multidisciplinary team, identifies signs and symptoms to determine whether the patient is within the autism spectrum. Some symptoms are very characteristic of the disorder, which helps to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

At Naia, services usually take place monthly or weekly. The multidisciplinary team is made up of psychiatrists, psychologists, residents in Psychiatry, a social worker and a pediatrician, responsible for welcoming the patient’s entire family.

The Psychology Service uses educational activities such as word games, blocks, story books, drawings and paintings, in order to promote patient interaction, communication and imagination.

Regarding the use of medications, outpatient psychiatrists prescribe only those necessary, with low doses, for the shortest possible time. Access to care from the HSM Child and Adolescent Care Center (Naia) is via the State Regulation Center, through basic health units and Psychosocial Care Centers (Caps).

Autism clinic for adults

The outpatient clinic for autistic adults at HSM is a pioneer in the state of Ceará, at a hospital level, and its main objective is to diagnose the patient and carry out the first follow-ups. Services began in February this year with professionals specializing in autism, including psychologists and psychiatrists.

“It is important to confirm the diagnosis in adults so that they can manage situations that are causing harm in their lives. If a person comes to seek a diagnosis, it is because there has been something negative that needs to be improved. So, we want to contribute to an improvement in this patient’s quality of life”, explains Denise.

Monitoring at the outpatient clinic is characterized by the training of social skills, through therapeutic groups with realistic simulations. To access the autism clinic for adults, you must be over 18 years old, not have previously been diagnosed with autism and be referred by a health service.