PERCEPTION OF MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM

Abstract

Autism is a syndrome characterized by a group of complex disorders of brain development, which hinders the child's social communication and presents changes that can compromise your daily life. Autistic children may have decreased muscle tone, delayed motor development, making it necessary physical therapy monitoring, thus preventing and minimizing the impairment caused by the syndrome. This study sought to understand the mothers' perception about the diagnosis and care of the autistic child. The methodology it is a study of descriptive, exploratory cross-sectional design and qualitative and quantitative approach. The research was developed in Victoria municipality of Conquista - BA, and to collect hi used a semi-structured questionnaire formulated by the researcher that included questioning of variables such as age, education, profession, marital status, in addition, there was the presence of guiding questions for the mothers' knowledge about autism, how they feel being a mother of an autistic child, among others. Data analysis method was used Bardin content analysis. Were used the following inclusion criteria: Mothers aged 18 to 60 years, children who have been diagnosed with autism and who were seen in Vitória da Conquista APAE - BA. This study identified that the interviewed mothers have unsatisfactory knowledge about the syndrome, which makes the care and quality of life of these children with Autism. The sociodemographic variables, we identified the degree of complete elementary school education (41.67%), and family income Question (75%) participants had income of two minimum wages. The findings of this study served this way, to consider that there is a need to create campaigns that can bring more information to mothers and to the entire community in order to join these children in society so that there is no prejudice and inequality. There is also need to prepare health professionals so they can assist and guide these mothers about the diagnosis and care should be taken as an Autistic child, thus increasing the expectations of these mothers and reducing their frustrations.