Health professional’s perceptions of diagnostic difficulties in autism spectrum disorder in girls
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37293/sapientiae111.08Keywords:
Autism Spectrum disorder, Diagnosis, Gender, Girls, AngolaAbstract
This study aimed to explore the perceptions of health and education professionals regarding the difficulties in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in girls living in Luanda, Angola. The research followed a qualitative-descriptive approach, conducted at the Amazing School Center, with the participation of 13 professionals working with children with special educational needs. Data was collected through structured interviews, organized into five thematic blocks: clinical aspects, social skills, masking, repetitive behaviors, and recommendations. The main findings revealed that girls with ASD tend to mask symptoms, displaying internalized behaviors such as anxiety, shyness, and social withdrawal, which hinders early identification. Additionally, there was a lack of specialized training and gender-sensitive assessment tools. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to train professionals and adapt diagnostic processes to consider the specific characteristics of ASD in girls, promoting more effective interventions in the Angolan context.
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