Impacto do diagnóstico de autismo : qualidade de vida e sobrecarga dos cuidadores informais de crianças com Perturbações do Espectro do Autismo

Abstract

The lack of studies relating Quality of Life (QOL) with the burden that affects Informal Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) was an important factor in the development of this work, thereby increasing the relevance and the value of this study. Objectives: determine the burden carried by the informal caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD and evaluate its impact on the quality of their lives. Method: this study included 37 informal caregivers who volunteered to participate. Of the 37 participants, 59.5% (n = 22) were female and 40.5% (n = 15) were male, aged between 29 – 52 years (M = 40.19; DP = 5.04). Results: 73% (n = 27) of the participants revealed an overburden. Data revealed that the QOL of de participants is affect. It was also verified that 73% (n = 27) of the informal caregivers reported changes in their personal lives since the assumption of these role, further emphasising the need for institutional support, especially financial and for more information regarding ASD. Conclusion: As the burden upon caregivers increases, the quality of their lives decreases. The dependent child can change the life of the person upon whom they are dependent in various ways as well as his/her family structure and function.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	Maria Teresa Soares Souto (Supervisor)