Autism Spectrum Disorder: diagnosis and understanding of the subject by those responsible
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2022.46.13209Keywords:
autism, watch out for parents, parental relationshipAbstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition focused on aspects of neurodevelopment, and has gained prominence in the literature due to the increase in diagnosis rates and importance of understanding the disorder, but less emphasis is given to parents and guardians of children with ASD, who are subject to intense emotional experiences and variables after the diagnosis and search for adequate help for the treatment. The objective of the present work was to analyze the understanding of parents and guardians of children with ASD about the disorder, treatment and its variations, as well as the experiences of the diagnosis and their emotional perceptions. A total of 894 parents and/or guardians were evaluated through a questionnaire on a digital platform, in which three criteria were investigated: I. About the child; II. Treatment and therapy; and III. Studying autism. The results indicated that those responsible are subject and prone to psychological illness, such as exhaustion, depression and anxiety for dealing with new and challenging issues that encompass ASD and the acceptance of it to their loved ones, highlighting a greater participation of mothers, experiences of prejudiced actions, high rates of dubious treatments found by those responsible with promises of a cure for autism, in addition to a high search for online courses and information about autism. Thus, highlighting the importance of looking at the care and emotional and behavioral support of parents and guardians of children with autism, so that such rates of illness can be mitigated, valuing the parental care of such guardians.
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