Abstract
Continuous care for neurodivergent people is a complex experience that extends beyond the demands associated with clinical, educational, and therapeutic follow-up, affecting the emotional, social, economic, and professional dimensions of family life. In this context, mothers and other family caregivers frequently assume prolonged responsibilities involving routine organization, attendance at specialized services, mediation of the assisted person's needs, and coping with social and institutional barriers, circumstances that may contribute to considerable physical and psychological burden. This study aims to analyze the effects of caregiving burden on the mental health of mothers and caregivers of neurodivergent people, discussing factors associated with chronic stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, emotional exhaustion, social isolation, and reduced quality of life, as well as gaps in public policies and support networks. This is a narrative literature review based on scientific publications and institutional and regulatory documents addressing mental health, neurodivergence, family caregiving, disability, and public policies. The analysis indicates that concentrating caregiving responsibilities within families, particularly among women, may have significant consequences for mental health, family relationships, professional participation, economic autonomy, and opportunities for self-care. Although Brazil has advanced in the legal and political recognition of care as a right, particularly through the establishment of the National Care Policy, challenges remain regarding the implementation of accessible, territorial, and intersectoral networks capable of providing continuous support to caregivers themselves. It is concluded that comprehensive care for neurodivergent people should incorporate caregivers' health and well-being as essential components of assistance, strengthening psychological support, social support, family guidance, care services, and shared responsibility among the State, families, and society.