FROM THE BRAIN TO BEHAVIOR: NEUROSCIENCE AND BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EARLY INTERVENTION FOR AUTISM

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5157272624034

• Palavras-chave: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Early Intervention; Behavioral Psychology; Neuroscience.

• Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Early Intervention; Behavioral Psychology; Neuroscience.

• Abstract:

  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social communication and restricted, repetitive behavioral patterns, the understanding of which has been expanded by advances in neuroscience and behavioral psychology. This study aims to analyze the integration between these fields in early intervention, considering their impacts on child development. This is a qualitative study of an exploratory and descriptive nature, based on an integrative literature review of studies selected from national and international databases. The results show that alterations in brain connectivity and neural network functioning are associated with ASD manifestations, while behavioral interventions, particularly those grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis, demonstrate effectiveness in promoting adaptive skills. It is noteworthy that early intervention, anchored in neural plasticity, enhances significant gains in cognitive, emotional, and social development. Furthermore, there is a growing trend toward integration between neuroscience and behavioral psychology, although theoretical and methodological gaps still exist. It is concluded that the integration of these fields facilitates the development of more effective, individualized, and evidence-based practices, contributing to the improvement of interventions for ASD.