Teleatendimento em exercício físico para população com transtorno do espectro do autismo: desafios e possibilidades

Abstract

The objective of the study was to identify the possibilities and difficulties related to teleservice in physical exercise for the population with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), assisted by the Physical Education Service (SEF) of the Unified Center for Autism Integration and Development (CUIDA) from the city of Maceió/AL. A case study was carried out in order to obtain a more complete picture of the situation studied. An analysis of the records posted via WhatsApp by family mediators was carried out through video, audio and/or text about the possibilities and difficulties related to the application of the intervention with physical exercise in the family environment. As well as interviews were applied to apply the instruments for characterizing the symptoms and socio-demographic profiles. The study had the participation of ten (10) family mediators and ten (10) children, male, mean age between 6.8±2.1 years and 70% characterized with a socio-demographic profile classified in categories D and E. The physical exercise telecare was offered from April to December 2020. The data collection procedures were organized into four phases: a) presentation of the research objectives and procedures; b) identification of participants; c) application of teleservice in physical exercise and d) data organization. The results show that of the 62 children assisted by SEF-CUIDA, only 16.12% (60% aged 4-6 years and 40% aged 10-11 years) participated in the study. The intervention was carried out based on coordination, strength and balance activities; 80% of the children underwent 30' of intervention once or twice a week for 4 to 6 months. Monitoring of the intervention was carried out through systematic virtual team meetings, checking all material (photographic records, videos, oral and written narratives posted via WhatsApp). Based on the data analysis, the possibilities and difficulties identified by the family mediators during the process of application and monitoring of teleservice were considered. It can be concluded that the teleservice in physical exercises seemed an important strategy to continue the SEF in the environment of social isolation. The challenges related to technological and social support seem to have interfered with the participation of most family members of children with ASD assisted by SEF-CUIDA. The family mediators participating in the study showed that the design of the physical exercise teleservice intervention seemed to be adjusted to the needs of the social context, the profile of the family mediator and the children assisted in their homes.