TAKING CARE OF THOSE WHO CARE: EXPERIENCE REPORT ON PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICES AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN ATYPICAL MATERNITY

Abstract

This article aimed to report the experience of a project developed for mothers of children with special needs assisted at the Municipal Autism Center (CEMA), highlighting the contributions of physiotherapy through Assistive Technology strategies and the promotion of self-care. This is an experience report with a descriptive and qualitative approach, developed by undergraduate students in the 7^th semester of the Physiotherapy program at UNICHRISFAPI during a curricular extension activity. The actions included postural guidance, stretching and muscle-strengthening exercises, breathing techniques, and self-massage, characterized as low-cost Assistive Technology strategies and methodologies aimed at sustaining care. Participants reported frequent pain in the lumbar and cervical regions, as well as in the arms and wrists, associated with the daily demands of caring for their children. Active participation in the proposed activities was observed, along with reports of muscle tension relief, improved physical and emotional well-being, and a sense of support and acceptance. The experience demonstrated that physiotherapy contributes significantly to health promotion, prevention of musculoskeletal discomfort, and strengthening of self-care among mothers of children with special needs, highlighting the importance of humanized and multidisciplinary actions directed toward this population.