Terapia ocupacional no apoio parental: inferências para o manejo parental após o diagnóstico do autismo

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the impacts of an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis on parental mental health and family dynamics, identifying risk and protective factors associated with parental adaptation. The analysis was conducted through a qualitative literature review, highlighting articles and scientific publications dating from the year 2025 onwards from the Google Scholar search engine, using the descriptors: autism spectrum disorder, diagnostic grief, family adaptation, maternal overload, and public policies. The results demonstrate that an ASD diagnosis triggers a family grief for the idealized child, with a greater impact on mothers, who face overload, isolation, and abandonment of their identities. The lack of professional support aggravates the suffering, while qualified support is the main protective factor. It is concluded that it is urgent to institutionalize multiprofessional support as an essential practice in health and education services, ensuring that families receive adequate support throughout their journey.