Entre o diagnóstico e a adaptação do autismo: impactos e ressignificações na família

Abstract

This work discusses the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis in children and families' lives, and its main objective is to understand how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis influences daily life, family relationships and children’s and their families’ development. This is a qualitative research, of a theoretical nature, developed through bibliographic research, based on studies published between the years of 2016 and 2025. The theoretical framework is grounded in authors such as Castro (2023), Grandin and Panek (2023), Silva, Aguiar and Assumpção Jr. (2024), as well as the DSM-5 (2014), among others, approaching autism as a neurodevelopment condition and the social and emotional implications that the diagnosis causes in the lives of children and their families. This research used laws and public policies that assure the rights of children with autism, such as the Law no. 12.764/2012 (Berenice Piana Law), the Law no. 13.146/2015 (Brazilian Law of Inclusion) and the Law no. 13.977/2020 (Romeo Mion Law), among others. The results reveal that the ASD diagnosis has significant impacts on the lives of children and young people, as well as on family dynamics, provoking feelings such as fear, denial, anxiety, grief and emotional distress, aside from routine changes and socioeconomic challenges. It shows the importance of care, support networks to assist families, related to children/youth and their families’ quality of life. It is concluded that beyond the impacts faced by families and children/youth, it is fundamental to understand the autism diagnosis for the construction of a more inclusive society that recognizes the singularities.