Perfil sensorial e funcional de crianças com transtorno do espectro autista

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the sensory and functional profile of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treated by Occupational Therapy at a university clinic located in the interior of Sergipe. This is a quantitative, descriptive and exploratory research, with data collected through the application of questionnaires to be answered by children’s caregivers. Seven children with ASD were participants, both sexes, aged up to 1 to 7 years and six months attended by Occupational Therapy at the Center for Simulations and Practices of the Federal University of Sergipe. Three instruments were used for data collection: the participants and caregivers’ profiles, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and Dunn's Sensory Profile 2. The data analysis was quantitative, with individual analysis of variables. Regarding the functional profile, the functional skills of mobility and social function were the ones that the participants most presented scores below the normative. As for the sensory profile, the quadrant in which the participants most fit were those of avoidant and sensitive children. Along with this, they showed greater impairment in the sensory areas of behavior, conduct and tactile processing. The authors conclude, reinforcing the importance of neurodiversity and that the person-centered view is a precise differential for the care provided by professionals to the autistic public, as well as occupational therapists.