INCIDENCE OF ANXIOUS THOUGHTS IN PARENTS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PORCIÚNCULA-RJ

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significant limitations in key areas of their individual development, such as social and occupational development. The diagnosis of this disorder can lead to significant changes in the plans and routines of the family, which will need to adapt to the demands of caring for, treating and monitoring the affected individual. This person requires special attention to ensure their progress and well-being (Figueiredo et al, 2020, p. 94). In this context, we are interested in understanding the prevalence of anxious thoughts among parents of autistic children. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to analyze the anxiety of parents after the diagnosis of their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In order to achieve the above objective, a field study will be carried out with atypical mothers and fathers from the Porciúncula Autistic Care Center (CEAAP), in an attempt to verify suggestions of anxiety, as a disorder, after receiving their children's diagnosis. Twenty parents with autistic children, mostly female, will take part in the study. To this end, a questionnaire will be administered to collect information on anxious thoughts, sociodemographic data on parents and children, neonatal data, data on how they found out about the diagnosis and a questionnaire to identify anxious thoughts. As a result of this research, it is hoped to confirm that parents with children with disabilities have a lower quality of life and more anxiety.