Percepção das famílias sobre o Transtorno do Espectro Autista em determinadas Províncias de Moçambique

Abstract

This article aims to analyze how families in certain Mozambican provinces perceive Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is a descriptive and exploratory study, supported by a quantitative approach, in which a questionnaire was applied and answered by 61 participants. Considering that this is a difficult-to-access population, it was decided to use a non-probabilistic sampling, more specifically snowball sampling. The results show that the perception analyzed in the study tends to reflect the reality of families with a higher level of education, linked to the public sector, and predominantly located in the province of Tete. The study also found that there are still gaps in the in-depth understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which reinforces the need for more effective educational and awareness-raising actions. It is essential to invest in awareness-raising campaigns, inclusive public policies and training initiatives for families, in order to increase access to accurate diagnoses and effective interventions.