Instruments to Screen the Early Signs of Autism: Systematic Review

Abstract The screening of early signs of autism is crucial for early diagnosis, allowing an effective intervention that allows an improvement in the development and quality of life of individuals with autism. The aim of this study was to identify the available instruments to screen signs of autism in children under 36 months of age. Therefore, a review of articles published between 2004 and 2015 was conducted in the electronic databases SciELO, PubMed, Lilacs and PsycINFO. 11 instruments were found in 34 articles analyzed, and only one instrument has been translated into Portuguese, indicating an absence of these instruments in Brazil. Considering the importance of early identification and diagnosis of autism for improving the quality of life of individuals with autism, it seems essential that studies of early screening instruments need to be conducted in the country.