Dados do Trabalho

Título

FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN IN THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: TRACING DIFFICULTIES AND SUPPORT STRATEGIES

Introdução

Considering that the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a frequent condition that, in the majority of cases, will have difficulties persisting throughout an individual’s lifetime, it is essential to understand the impact on a family context.

Objetivo

To trace emotional repercussions that occur in families with children in the autism spectrum disorder, as well as evaluate the results of intervention programs that provide mental health support for these families.

Métodos

A search was made on MEDLINE using the terms (autism + family) with the “systematic Review” filter on the last 10 years. The data obtained in the selected articles will be correlated with concepts and approaches proposed by Salvador Minuchin (family subsystems) in his structural family therapy model.

Resultados

161 articles were found and, after reading, 4 systematic review articles were selected based on the main objective of this study (to understand the family impact of having children with autism and possible interventions to reduce stress). From the 4 review articles, new articles mentioned by the authors were used and included in the references of this study. In this review, data found show parents of children with autism to have higher levels of stress, depression and anxiety (especially in mothers), reduced sleep quality, low levels of happiness in marriage, higher divorce rates and a need to increase work hours to afford special treatment for the child. These data are directly related to the severity of the child's clinical condition, being irritability, aggressiveness and sleep difficulties aggravating factors for family symptoms.

Conclusões

It is essential that professionals involved in the treatment of children with ASD understand the impacts the condition can have in a family environment and that mental health services are widely available, inserted in the local culture, focusing on the guidance, care and support for these families.

Palavras chave

autism spectrum disorder, family, impact.

Declaração de conflito de interesses de TODOS os autores

Nenhum conflito de interesse dos autores