Transtorno do Espectro Autista: desafios e perspectivas no atendimento de profissionais de saúde em um centro de reabilitação na região Seridó Potiguar

Abstract

The number of cases of children diagnosed with ASD is increasing and with this increase the concern in the care of these patients also grows, since it is necessary that professionals can offer treatment and monitoring effectively and with appropriate strategies so that they have a good performance in their day-to-day activities. It is also essential that these professionals can understand the world of these children and, together with the family, can develop a better way of treating them. The present study aimed to analyze the difficulties and needs for improvements perceived by health professionals at a Rehabilitation Center (CER) in the Seridó/RN region that care for people with ASD, as well as preparing an informative material (Technical Scientific Report), to be delivered to the secretariat. municipal health service in Caicó/RN in order to communicate the weaknesses found in the service, thus contributing to the work process of these health professionals. It was an exploratory research with a qualitative approach, carried out between the months of January and February of the current year, based on interviews with 16 health professionals, being recorded, transcribed and then analyzed following the proposal of thematic content analysis. The survey shows that most professionals working in the CER are female (68.75%), with an average age of 36 to 45 years (56.25%) and with a length of service of 2 to 4 years (81, 25%). The following categories emerged: Process of care for children with ASD at CER; Professional/family relationship; Difficulties in caring for children with ASD; Service improvements; Comprehensive care for children with ASD. Some of the factors that hinder service are the lack of training, infrastructure, engagement with the team, material resources, limitations of professionals, among others. With the results obtained, it is concluded that there are many issues that need to be discussed and worked on in order to offer a better and more quality service to this public, ranging from the commitment of professionals to the commitment of families in the treatment of these children.