Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to conduct an integrative literature review on the biopsychosocial impacts on parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders. There is a notable lack of studies that specifically address this topic, which is of paramount importance to public health. Methods: Research conducted on the proposed topic in a systematic and comprehensive manner, comprising an integrative and exploratory study based on a literature review of databases PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), via Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO). The following keywords were used, in accordance with DeCS: “Autistic Disorder”; “Autism Spectrum Disorder”; “psychosocial effects of the disease”; “Family Health”; “social behavior”; “Family” e “Parents”. In the databases of Literatura Latino-Americana and of Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), via Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), “transtorno autístico”, “Transtorno Autístico”, “transtorno do espectro autista”, “Trastorno del Espectro Autista”, “Impactos familia”, “Family impacts”, “Impactos familiares”, “avaliação de resultados em cuidados de saúde”, “Evaluación de Resultado en la Atención de Salud”, “efeitos psicossociais da doença”, “Costo de Enfermedad”, “comportamento social”, “Conducta Social”, “família”, “familia” and “pais”. Results: The data suggest that the main impacts in the biopsychosocial context include an increased burden on family life, neglect of self-care, a lack of family support, a shortage of specialized services, and impaired self-esteem. Conclusion: There is a need to develop effective public health strategies aimed at preventing and addressing this condition, which is often masked by the stigma that exists in society.