Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difculties in communication, social interaction, and restrictive and repetitive behavior patterns. This paper aims to conducta critical and proactive review of the role of nursing in Chile in addressing the warning signs of ASD,analyzing training,detection protocols, and implemented screening tools, such as the M-CHAT Carrasco, based on existing referencesfrom 2015 to 2025.

Method: A narrative review of scientic literature, regulatory documents, and ofcial Chilean healthguidelines published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed, SciELO, CUIDEN, and Dialnet. Studies that addressed nursing roles, screening protocols, and the use of tools such as the M-CHAT/M-CHAT- R/F were included.

Results: Between 2015 and 2025, Chile made progress with the enactment of Law 21,545 (2023), the strengthening of the Chile Crece Más program, and the implementation of the Technical Standard for Child Supervision (2021). Nurses play a crucial role in the developmental surveillance and detection of ASD through the M-CHAT; however, gaps in training, capacity building, and systematic implementation persist.

The recent adoption of the National Protocol for the Early Detection of ASD (2024) established a mandatory Acuña C. El rol de la enfermería en Chile frente a las señales de alerta del Trastorno del Espectro Autista: una revisión crítica y propositiva (2015-2025). J. health med. sci., 11(3):23-29, 2025. framework to standardize screening in PHC.

Conclusions: Nursing professionals are essential for the early detection of ASD in Chile, but their role should be strengthened through:(1) the incorporation of ASD content into undergraduate and continuing education, (2) technical training in M-CHAT-R/F, (3) effective coordination with specialized services and the education sector, and (4) the development of monitoring indicators. These measures will help reduce inequalities in access to diagnosis and contribute to a more inclusive and timely health system that is sensitive to neurodiversity.

Carolyn Estefany Acuña Cantuarias 44 años is a Chilean Registered Nurse, graduated from the Universidad Católica del Maule (Chile), holding a Master’s degree in Higher Education Teaching and a Postgraduate Diploma in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Universidad de Nebrija, Spain. She has 18 years of professional experience integrating clinical practice, public health, university teaching, and applied research in neurodevelopment. She is currently a PhD candidate in Public Health, with a research focus on the design of health interventions aimed at strengthening psychoeducational and emotional support for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her academic and professional work is characterized by a lifespan-oriented, evidence- based approach to ASD, with recognized expertise in early detection, family-centered care, and the critical implementation of Chile’s Autism Law (Law 21.545) within health and educational systems. Carolyn currently serves as Coordinator of the PRAPS Program for the Rehabilitation of Children and Adolescents with ASD within Chile’s primary health care network, where she leads interdisciplinary teams and develops inclusive, community-based intervention models. She has also served as a university lecturer at the University of Talca, contributing to the education of future health professionals from a neuro-informed, ethical, and human-centered perspective.She is an active member of SOCHENA and SOCHIESP. She is the author of the scientific article “The Role of Nursing in Chile in Response to Early Warning Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Critical and Propositional Review (2015–2025)”, recognized for its significant impact on autism research in Chile, and she is currently working on two additional scientific publications with national and international relevance.