A experiência de prestação de cuidados informais a crianças/adolescentes com perturbações do espectro do autismo

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to characterize a sample of caregivers of children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), in terms of four different points: socio-demographic characteristics; characteristics related to the disorder; the caregivers’ perception of the experience of caregiving, and the types of coping used. The technique of self retelling was used in order to characterize the 30 participants of the sample, as well as to study the different dimensions (positive/negative) related to the experience of caregiving (through the Experience of Caregiving Inventory - ECI). The results showed that there was coexistence in the association of the assessment the caregivers did of their own experience (positive or negative). The assessment of the most important types of coping (and its effectiveness) was done based on the Carer’s Assessment of Managing Index (CAMI). The study showed that the type of coping more commonly used (and considered most effective) pointed to problem solving. However the type of coping that was less used, pointed to the ability to deal with stress symptoms. Finally, this study showed that there was a relationship between the type of coping - dealing with stress symptoms and the negative assessment of the experience of caregiving. However, the types of coping: resolution of the problems, and the alternative perception of events show a positive assessment of caregivers’ experience.

Date of Award	2009
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Luísa Campos (Supervisor) & Lurdes Veríssimo (Supervisor)