BACKGROUND: Autism disorder whose etiology is not yet known, but involves
genetic, immunological and environmental factors, where the child development
process is profoundly distorted. It is ranked as one of the Disorders of the Global
Development, characterized by losses in communication and social interaction and
restricted and repetitive behavior and interests. According to latest estimates, about 1
in every 200 people has autistic spectrum disorders. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
clinical manifestations and suggest risk factors in patients who fit established
diagnostic criteria for autism. METHODS: A transversal study was conducted in a
non-probabilistic sample of the Children's Growth and Development Service Walk of
Bettina Ferro de Souza Universitary Hospital, through information collected from 80
patients in proper research protocol, later submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS:
77.5% of patients were male. The time of perception of events reported by most
caregivers was before 3 years. Delay of language was the most frequent complaint
(77.5%); 1.b 2.a were the most found criteria of DSM-IV, prevalence of seizure
episodes was 32%, risperidone was the most used (77.8%) neuroleptic and Pediatric
Neurology Service was the most used monitoring method. CONCLUSION: Male
children were the most affected and most frequent complaint was delay in language.
By DSM-IV, interaction and language are the largest losses of these patients.
Seizures were associated with autistic spectrum, risperidone is the most used drug
for pharmacological treatment of symptoms. It is emphasized the importance of
constantly monitoring the progress of people with autistic disorder, to optimize
therapeutic approach, and promote integration of new treatments and tailor
articulation of multidisciplinary team.
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