Interrelationship between two doctoral thesis that included in their research samples children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)

Abstract

This article highlights the interrelationship between two doctoral theses. Four points of convergence between these thesis were identified and explored from the detailed reading and comparative analysis between the two works. In addition, the objectives, methods, results, and conclusions of each study were presented briefly. The purpose of this report is to discuss from four converging points (profiles, definition of the condition, early diagnosis, and screening instruments), about the interrelationship between two doctoral theses that included children with ASD in their research samples. Such converging points are related to issues that professionals who work with individuals with ASD often face. Some actions such as: 1. Knowing the individual with ASD through the establishment of their profile; 2. Keeping up to date on the diagnostic criteria and literature data that define the multifactorial nature of the disorder; and 3. Understanding the importance and the need for early diagnosis and the application of screening instruments to assess this neurodevelopmental disorder can assist professionals in different areas, regarding work with people diagnosed with ASD. The comparison made between the two thesis, as well as the data present in the exploration of each converging point between them, bring to the reader elements that encourage reflections that confirm the complexity of the disorder and the importance of the three actions described above.