Qualidade de vida dos irmãos de indivíduos com Autismo

Abstract

Introduction: In terms of national context the studies carried out the life quality of the brothers of autistic children/adolescents are quite scarce, which reinforces the relevance of new investigations so that it is possible to realize, on one hand, the real impact that an autistic child causes within family and on the other, to be able to develop new action strategies in order to mitigate these effects. In this assumption, the present study had as objective: to know the quality of life of the brothers of autistic children/adolescents and determine associations between socio-demographic context variables, psychosocial and family and the different areas of this same life quality. Methods: This is a non-experimental study, descriptive and triangulated transversal nature, involving 68 siblings of persons with autism included in APPDA-Viseu. For the measurement of the variables was applied a questionnaire to collect information on socio-demographic data and a scale for evaluating the quality of life in children and adolescents (Portuguese version of the Kidscreen instruments). Results: The analysis concluded that the life quality of siblings of autistic children/adolescents is very satisfactory (M = 67,51) for most, meeting the highest figures linked to the dimensions, provocation, economic issues and general mood. Aversely, the aspects most affected are the leisure, the friendships and the school environment. We note further that global life quality is higher in boys, between 7 and 12 years, attending the 1st and 2nd cycles, whose knowledge was given by other elements, compared to the parents and even those who do not feel harmed. Conclusions: the evidence found in this study confirm the multiplicity of factors involved in the life quality: invite us to reflect on new strategies that make it possible to obtain a better knowledge that facilitates the establishment of training and information programmes, aimed at promoting the quality of life of these subjects.

Date of Award	Oct 2012
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rosa Martins (Supervisor)