New Children’s Handbook updates tests to detect autism

New Children’s Handbook updates tests to detect autism


The publication is by the Ministry of Health




The new edition of Caderneta da Criança – Passaporte da Cidadania provides a test for the early diagnosis of the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with additional guidance for caregivers and health professionals on the application and interpretation of the test.

The link to the follow-up interview to be carried out when the first phase of the test is positive has now been added to the publication. In a statement the Ministry of Health reiterated that it is a screening test, not to confirm the diagnosis.

In the statement, the department assesses updating the booklet with the tool as vital to the care of children, as well as providing relevant information for parents, carers, health, education and social care workers.

“The information is also important for families to understand the meaning of the test and that the diagnosis of children with autism requires a multidisciplinary team,” the ministry stressed, underlining that early diagnosis allows for timely interventions.

COVID-19

The new edition of the booklet also includes the updated calendar of childhood vaccinations, including the dose against Covid-19.

The Ministry of Health reported that it is preparing to print about 3 million new booklets for distribution in all states and capitals. The material is expected to be sent in the second half of 2024. The online format – with a version for boys and one for girls – is now available on the department’s website.

Editing: Kleber Sampaio

Source: Terra

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