TRAINING ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER FOR ACADEMICS AND HEALTH AND EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS: EXPERIENCE IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects the neurological development of the individual and is characterized by the presence of deficits in social communication and the existence of repetitive and stereotyped movements, whether motor or speech. Although this clinical condition has been widely researched and disseminated, it remains largely unknown to professionals involved in screening, multidisciplinary follow-up, and related areas, such as health and education. Therefore, in a local context, we sought to hold a course on the subject for the aforementioned audience. Objective: To report experience on a training course on ASD for academics and health and education professionals. Experience Report: The training course was promoted with the premise of improving the knowledge of the target audience in order to improve the service to autistic people. The training was structured in ten meetings over three months and taught by professionals from different areas and with experience in caring for people with ASD. Each meeting lasted three hours and was attended by professionals specialized in the chosen themes. A total of 3,012 individuals from ten Brazilian states were registered. Discussion: The course addressed autism in the context of two important sectors for the detection and support of this condition. In addition, it excelled in the exposure of the theme from an interdisciplinary and integral perspective, observing the autistic in the stages of life. It is considered that the training was a success when observing the number of participants and the engagement obtained in the meetings. In addition to the spectators, there were benefits to the organizers, from the improvement of technical and humanistic skills necessary in professional practice. Final Considerations: With the success obtained, it is necessary to apply the course in other states of Brazil from the context of the primordiality of obtaining knowledge about ASD.