Aumento da quantidade de diagnósticos de autismo nos últimos 24 anos

Thiago Silva Machado; Vitor Hugo de Abreu Barone; Thiago Bretz Carvalho; Juliana Eschholz de Araujo

doi:10.24859/SaberDigital.2026v19n2.1864

Authors

Thiago Silva Machado Centro Universitário de Valença - UNIFAA https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2830-557X
Vitor Hugo de Abreu Barone Centro Universitário de Valença - UNIFAA https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3323-1569
Thiago Bretz Carvalho Centro Universitário de Valença - UNIFAA https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8580-5087
Juliana Eschholz de Araujo Centro Universitário de Valença - UNIFAA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3311-3701

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24859/SaberDigital.2026v19n2.1864

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Clinical Diagnosis, Genetics

Abstract

Introduction. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has shown a significant increase in diagnoses in recent decades, driven by improvements in screening tools, clinical criteria, and greater access to health services. Simultaneously, advances in genetics, epigenetics, and neuroscience have contributed to understanding, albeit partially, the mechanisms associated with the disorder, whose etiology remains multifactorial. Objectives. This study analyzes the temporal variation in the prevalence of ASD and its relationship with genetic, epigenetic, environmental factors, and changes in diagnostic methods. Materials and Methods. This is a qualitative-quantitative review based on data from PAHO, WHO, CDC, DataSUS, and scientific literature. Results. CDC data reveal a 315% increase in prevalence between 2000 and 2020, rising from 1:150 to 1:36 births. In Brazil, the SIA (Autism Spectrum Disorder Information System) recorded 9.6 million consultations for people with ASD in 2021, 4.1 million of which were children up to 9 years old. The etiology involves more than 100 associated genes, in addition to epigenetic influences modulated by diverse environmental exposures. Tools such as M-CHAT-R/F, STAT, and SCQ expand early diagnosis. Discussion. Recent studies reinforce the multifactorial nature of the disorder, highlighting the interaction between genetic, epigenetic factors and environmental exposures, such as air pollution, advanced parental age, and prenatal medication use. However, it is emphasized that the use of secondary data limits the distinction between a real increase in prevalence and greater detection capacity, requiring caution in temporal interpretation and reinforcing the need for integrated Brazilian cohorts and continuous epidemiological surveillance. Conclusion. It is concluded that the increase in cases reflects diagnostic advances and the possible interaction between biological and environmental factors, reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis and individualized interventions.

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