COPING SKILLS USED BY FAMILIES OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can have important impacts on the routine and emotional health of caregiver families. This study aimed to analyze the coping skills used by family members of people with ASD in the face of the demands of continuous care. This is an Integrative Literature Review carried out in the PUBMED, Livivo, CAPES Portal and OpenAlex databases, including articles published between 2016 and 2026. At the end of the selection, 18 studies made up the sample. The results showed that the main coping strategies used were the search for social support, strengthening family relationships, reorganizing the routine, emotional regulation, acceptance of the diagnosis and spirituality. It was also observed that guidance programs, parenting training, and psychological support contribute to reducing stress and emotional burden on caregivers. On the other hand, negative strategies, such as isolation, guilt, and avoidance, were associated with higher levels of emotional distress. It is concluded that coping skills play a fundamental role in the adaptation of families to the demands of ASD, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary support and public policies aimed at caregivers.