ADDRESSING CHALLENGES IN EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTION OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects cognitive and behavioral functions, impacting the academic, professional, and social life of those who have it. The main characteristics include inattention, marked by difficulty focusing on tasks, forgetting commitments, and making errors due to distraction; hyperactivity, characterized by fidgeting behaviors, difficulty staying still, and physical and mental restlessness; and impulsivity, expressed in thoughtless actions, difficulty waiting one's turn, and interrupting conversations or activities. ADHD can manifest in three forms: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, or in a combination of both types.

The causes of ADHD are multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental factors, and neurochemical changes, such as dysfunction in dopamine regulation, a neurotransmitter related to motivation and pleasure. The diagnosis is clinical, based on the observation of behavior over time and in different contexts, as well as the assessment of symptoms through the patient's history. There is no laboratory test that confirms the disorder.

The treatment of ADHD is multidisciplinary and may include medication, primarily with the use of psycho-stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, as well as psychotherapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps manage symptoms, improve focus, organize activities, and control impulses. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments, such as establishing routines, engaging in physical exercise, and employing time management techniques, can be effective. Although there is no cure, appropriate treatment significantly improves the quality of life of patients.