Introduction:

This article involves a historical review of some theories and classifications of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including the most recognized authors and current semiological perspectives. In this way, it is intended to contribute to the unification of criteria among professionals, and to encourage reflection on the consequences of an unwise conceptualization of the disorder.

Materials and methods:

It is a documentary review of articles indexed in databases, and other intentionally selected documents.

Results:

Three categories, namely, were considered for the organization of the information: a) from fiction to science: the transition from mythical symptomatology to nosological classification; b) the Austrian pioneers: the initial duality that became a spectrum; and c) autism spectrum disorder: a trajectory in the structuring of its diagnostic criteria.

Discussion and conclusions:

The variability in the etiological hypotheses, as well as in the manifestation of the core symptoms of ASD, have impacted its classification and therapeutic approach. A permanent update of professionals is required due to the advancement of genetics and neurosciences, making possible the future generation of changes in the role of professionals involved in its detection, evaluation and intervention.

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