A PERCEPÇÃO DOS CUIDADORES ACERCA DOS EFEITOS DA FISIOTERAPIA AQUÁTICA EM CRIANÇAS COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder, present since childhood. Its main characteristics are persistent communication impairment in social interactions and restricted patterns of behaviors, interests and activities. This is a cross-sectional observational study of a qualitative and quantitative approach. It was carried out at the Casa Elena Children's Health Center. The research participants were parents/caregivers of children who were duly enrolled in the institution, with regular attendance to the hydrotherapy project frequently (at least 1 year of participation), and over 3 (three) years old. Data collection occurred by the application of a questionnaire to caregivers of children with ASD, which consisted of 14 questions, 11 closed and 3 free-speech, applied to caregivers between October 30 and November 19, 2024. Twenty caregivers were identified, among these, 1 willed not to participate in the research and 2 did not attended to the application of the questionnaires. When performing data analysis, it was concluded that caregivers observed a great improvement, both in motor and behavioral valences. We conclude, therefore, that aquatic physiotherapy, in the caregivers perspective, is a resource with great positive impact on the physical and cognitive development of children with ASD, due its great positivity noted by the caregivers participating in this research.

Keywords: Aquatic Therapy; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Caregiver