A atuação do psicólogo com pacientes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista em cidades de pequeno porte da Serra Gaúcha

Abstract

The latest figure released by the US agency CDC of cases of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) gives an account of 1 for every 54 births, demonstrating a perceived increase each year. This increase is due to factors such as the adoption of the idea of an autistic spectrum, thus expanding diagnostic criteria, better-prepared professionals, and better tools for diagnosing the disorder. There is, therefore, an increase in cases that, as a result, increases the need for care in the country's Mental Health System and greater participation of psychologists who work in these places in the treatment of these subjects. The general objective of this study is to understand how psychologists work with these patients in the context of four small towns in the Serra Gaúcha. For this, the places of care and the psychologist's action with these patients were contextualized. The theoretical contribution brings a historical perspective of ASD, in addition to current paradigms and interventions used for the disorder. It also presents the creation of CAPS as devices for providing Mental Health and public policies related to patients with ASD. The research consists of a qualitative study of an exploratory nature, characterized as a multiple case study, consisting of semi-structured interviews and visits to care facilities. Mental Health managers of the studied municipalities and professionals who participate in the treatment of these patients were interviewed. The data obtained were determined through Bardin's (2016) content analysis and divided into categories that cover structural issues of the places, elements of the treatment of these patients, and the challenges present in these care. This contact with the reality of Mental Health Systems and the professionals who work in them bring to a more tangible dimension the role of the psychologist in small towns, the tools used by these professionals, the essential role of the family, and the importance of Psychoeducation. It also demonstrated municipalities with an adequate structure for care, with specific rooms, and the central role of the psychologist in the treatment of these patients, in addition to the adequacy to deal with the challenges of the Pandemic. From this body of data, it was possible to propose support material, which will be made available online, to help professionals who work with this audience. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]