Brazilian Occupational Therapists working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This article sought to verify how Brazilian Occupational Therapists work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) before the age of three. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative and qualitative study. Data collection took place in Bola de Neve, from January to March 2022, using a questionnaire with semi-structured questions via Google Forms, regarding the working methods of Occupational Therapists and the profiles of their patients, and included 68 Occupational Therapists. The data was analyzed using frequency calculations, or the mean and standard deviation for each data category. For the qualitative data, the thematic-categorical content analysis technique was used. It was found that the majority of professionals provide care in clinics and/or private practices, and in their current practice, their main objective is to stimulate the child's autonomy and independence in carrying out their basic and instrumental activities of daily living. They use the Sensory Integration model as a methodological basis and the Sensory Profile assessment tool. They receive high demands for food selectivity and seek to guide caregivers about stimulating functional play, autonomy, and independence. The study made it possible to understand how Brazilian Occupational Therapists work with children diagnosed with ASD and what resources are used, as well as the sociodemographic profile of these professionals. It also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and the start of occupational therapy interventions in order to contribute to the child's development.