O olhar da terapia ocupacional na qualidade de vida e sobrecarga familiar em pais cuidadores de crianças com transtorno do espectro autista

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Autism is a developmental disorder that manifests itself at very early ages, before the age of three, and is characterized by a peculiar behavioral picture that involves the areas of social interaction, communication and behavior. Therefore, the dynamics of care and attention for these people requires significant changes in the family routine and significant damage to their quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the contributions of occupational therapy in the quality of life of parents and caregivers of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. METHODOLOGY: Literature review and qualitative data analysis were adopted. RESULTS: The emotional, physical, financial and psychological burden of parents and caregivers was identified when they were forced to give up their lives to make room for the care of the child with ASD and renounce their own interests. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: A comprehensive look at families who receive the diagnosis of ASD is necessary, considering the complexity of the adaptation process they experience. In this sense, OT can significantly contribute to the intervention of parents and caregivers. It is important to point out that there are still few publications on the subject.