NEURODIVERSITY IN ADULTHOOD: SYMPTOM MAPPING AND DIAGNOSTIC HISTORY OF ADHD AND ASD IN BRAZIL
TL;DR
A high frequency of positive screening results for symptoms suggestive of ADHD and ASD, significant overlap between these conditions, and a low proportion of self-reported formal diagnoses are revealed.
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that can persist into adulthood and are associated with functional impairments, psychological distress, and challenges in diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the screening for symptoms suggestive of ADHD and ASD, as well as the history of formal diagnoses, among Brazilian adults. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study using a quantitative approach, conducted via online data collection and a virtual snowball sampling method. The instruments used included a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, the ASRS-18, and the AQ-10. The results revealed a high frequency of positive screening results for symptoms suggestive of ADHD and ASD, significant overlap between these conditions, and a low proportion of self-reported formal diagnoses. The findings underscore the importance of screening and qualified clinical assessment of neurodevelopmental conditions in adulthood, as well as the need to expand professional training and access to specialized mental health services for diagnosis and follow-up.