Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Knowledge and Burden from Parents

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) knowledge and burden.

Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire with 32 questions divided into five domains and reduced Zarit scale.

Results: 20 mothers were evaluated. In general, at the time of diagnosis, these mothers were unaware of ASD and currently are interested in improving their knowledge. A moderate and severe burden was observed in most mothers, this result had no correlation with the mother’s age, child’s age in identifying first signs of ASD, level of maternal knowledge, child’s age at diagnosis and time to diagnosis. Positive correlations were observed between eyes fixing difficulties as one of the first signs of ASD and the age at diagnosis.

Discussion: Despite the overload identified in those evaluated, the lack of correlation with analyzed variables may be associated with the multidimensional character of this overload.

Conclusion: After diagnosis, parents of children with ASD are interested in expanding their knowledge about the disorder. The burden of caregivers must be discussed in view of its possible consequences not only for caregiver’s health but also for children.