Percepção de cuidadores de pré-escolares com TEA sobre seu comportamento e desempenho ocupacional durante a pandemia da COVID-19

Maene Pinheiro Silva; Rosangela Gomes da Mota de Souza; Karina Ferreira de Oliveira; Ana  Amélia Cardoso; Lívia de Castro Magalhães

doi:10.1590/2526-8910.ctoAO275935901

Perception of caregivers of preschool children with ASD on their behavior and occupational performance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors

Maene Pinheiro Silva Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7259-3605
Rosangela Gomes da Mota de Souza Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7504-6316
Karina Ferreira de Oliveira Terapeuta Ocupacional, Divinópolis, MG, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5758-4161
Ana Amélia Cardoso Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4874-1743
Lívia de Castro Magalhães Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3391-2607

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/2526-8910.ctoAO275935901

Keywords:

Social Isolation, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Caregivers, Family, Activities of Daily Living

Abstract

Introduction: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face behavioral, sensory processing, cognitive, and language challenges that affect their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and necessitate access to educational, therapeutic, and health services. The COVID-19 pandemic limited access to these essential services, exacerbating the challenges faced by this vulnerable population due to imposed social distancing measures. Objective: To explore the perceptions of parent caregivers of preschoolers with ASD regarding their children’s behavior and performance in ADL during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This crosssectional, descriptive study utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches, interviewing 60 caregivers of preschoolers with ASD. Participants were asked about any observed changes in their child’s behavior and ability to engage in ADL during the pandemic. Child characterization involved the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication (ACSF:SC), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), and the Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2). Interviews were documented, with 15 recorded and transcribed for thematic content analysis. Results: Participants included 43 mothers, 15 couples, and two fathers, totaling 60 children, of whom 46 (76.7%) were boys aged between 3 and 5 years (mean age 53.6 ±10.18 months). Caregivers reported changes in behavior and performance in ADL, predominantly noting deterioration. Increases in stereotypic behaviors, rigidity, and hyperfocus were observed, along with decreased participation in ADL. While the presence of caregivers benefited some children, it also led to reported stress, particularly among mothers. Conclusion: The study found a predominant trend of deteriorating behavior and performance in ADL among children with ASD during the pandemic, based on caregiver reports.

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Published

2024-04-16

How to Cite

Silva, M. P., Souza, R. G. da M. de, Oliveira, K. F. de, Amélia Cardoso, A. ., & Magalhães, L. de C. (2024). Perception of caregivers of preschool children with ASD on their behavior and occupational performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brazilian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 32, e3590. https://doi.org/10.1590/2526-8910.ctoAO275935901

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Issue

Vol. 32 (2024)

Section

Original Article

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