Abstract

MACHADO, Mônica Sperb; LONDERO, Angélica Dotto  and  PEREIRA, Caroline Rubin Rossato. Becoming the family of a child with autistic spectrum disorder. Contextos Clínic [online]. 2018, vol.11, n.3, pp. 335-350. ISSN 1983-3482.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4013/ctc.2018.113.05.

This qualitative and exploratory study aimed at reflecting on becoming the family of a child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on the effects of the disorder in the families, their future characteristics and perspectives as well as how they recognize themselves in this context. The participants of the study were seven relatives of children with ASD attending a Children's Psychosocial Care Center (CPCC). In the data collection, a demographic questionnaire, a focus group, and semi-structured interviews were used. The focus group and the interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to content analysis. The results indicated that the ASD diagnosis has affected the participants' families, demanding changes in routine, dynamic, and family relationships. They move away from social interaction, focus on the child, experience lack of support and difficulty in access to treatment, and have concerns and different perspectives from other families, recognizing themselves as united families alternating between sadness and joy and investing in children.

Keywords : autism; child; family.

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