Perfil de crianças e adolescentes com transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) atendidos em um ambulatório de média complexidade no interior do estado de SP

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to identify and characterize the profile of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treated at a medium-complexity outpatient clinic in the interior of the State of São Paulo. Its about a documentary, retrospective study with a quantitative approach. The target population consisted of 27 children and adolescents with ASD who went through outpatient care from 2015 to 2022. The data were found via medical records, based on a research protocol that contained different variables, which are inserted and treated through spreadsheets of the program Excel® and presentations descriptively. In order to better present the data, they were organized into three categories for better delineation. Regarding to the profile of children and adolescents, a higher prevalence of children were male (74.1%), 44.44% were between 0 and 4 years old, 59.3% closed diagnosis also in this age group, 52% were in the preschool phase, but without the accompaniment of a professional helper. Still, most of patients used some medication (63%) and the most common clinical characteristics prevailing refer to the presence of restricted behaviors and interests, repetitive and stereotyped, in addition to sensory changes. As for the profile of families, the presence and absence of gestational complications and intercurrences equaled (44.4%), although most were born at term (51.9%). The majority (51.8%) of the parents were aged 30 years at the time of the child's birth. child and despite the variations in the question of employability, the responsibility of the care was largely given to the maternal figure. Finally, regarding the profile of the network of care and attention, the significant bond between children and other services (88.9%), although these are mostly financed by institutions philanthropic organizations, with a prevalence of professionals such as speech therapists, therapists occupational and psychologists. It is emphasized that the understanding of the realities There are different care equipment that can contribute to the development of public policies and to guarantee care for children and adolescents with ASD.