PERFORMANCE OF DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER WITH ATYPICAL SENSORY PERFORMANCE

• Grant number: 24/07114-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Amanda Mota Pacciulio Sposito
• Grantee: Luiza Salomão Tazinaffo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder with varying degrees of severity. Its diagnosis is clinical, marked by deficits in communication and social interaction, restricted and/or repetitive behaviors. Individuals with ASD may show sensory hyporesponsiveness (reduced or absent reactions to stimuli); sensory hyperresponsiveness, characterized as increased sensitivity or aversive reactions to stimuli; or impairments in sensory discrimination, with repetitive sensory interests and search behaviours for specific stimuli. These characteristics can limit children's experiences and impact the performance of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which individuals carry out as a routine, to take care of their own bodies. It is common for autistic children to have developmental delays and/or difficulties in performing a range of self-care skills, such as feeding, sphincter control, dressing and bathing. This study aims to analyze the influence of the atypical sensory performance of children with ASD on their ADL performance. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study with a qualitative analysis. Parents of children diagnosed with ASD (aged 3 to 8), selected from private clinics in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, will take part in the study. Initially, the Sensory Profile 2 questionnaire will be applied to identify children with ASD who have sensory performance in their lives.