Percepção dos pais sobre o estilo de vida de escolares com Transtorno do Espectro Autista da cidade de Pelotas/RS

Abstract

Introduction: Children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder increasingly coming to regular schools. Objective: To describe the lifestyle of children and adolescents with ASD in the city of Pelotas / RS. Method: This study consists of an epidemiological cross-sectional study. The selection of the sample was carried out in an intentional non-probabilistic manner, consisting of classes with T from the city of Pelotas / RS. The data collection instrument used in this study was a questionnaire answered by parents or guardians of children and adolescents with ASD. The questionnaire is based on other existing instruments, already validated and used in several other studies, which assess lifestyle. Results: The main proven results that children and adolescents are diagnosed mostly with a mild level of disorder, diagnosed in the first years of life. Have a sedentary lifestyle and passive activities without leisure, with difficulties to perform activities of daily living, and almost half of the sample has no problems with sleep quality, but has high literacy levels and anthropometric levels of overweight and obesity in boys. Conclusion: Parents' perception of the lifestyle of children and adolescents with ASD is that their children has a greater articipation in regular schools, and as a consequence, better levels of literacy, however, with a sedentary life and difficulties in activities of daily living . It is necessary to increase the participation of these individuals in physical education classes and to improve levels of physical activity.