Sobrecarga Familiar e Sinais de Transtorno do Espectro Autista

Abstract

Screening for autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), which is defined as an atypical neurodevelopment, may be associated with the level of family overload as it affects social interaction, affectivity and imagination, which are important components in child development. The aim of this study was to correlate the signs and symptoms of autistic spectrum disorder with the signs of family overload related to child management and the self-esteem level of the responsible parent. This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a quantitative approach in which the population consisted of parents or guardians of children regularly enrolled in CREI Arthur Antônio Belarmino Ferreira, selected as a research scenario. Data collection occurred through the application of three instruments: Modifield Chechlist for Autism in Toldders Revised (M CHAT-R ™), Burden Interview and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. It was found that parents responsible for children with signs suggestive of autism spectrum disorder have a greater burden that may be related to family dynamics hampered by the stratified behavior of the child. From the above, it is concluded that it is important for nurses to be aware of the autism spectrum disorder screening instrument and in the interventions to be aware of the possibility of family overload levels.