OS IMPACTOS DO DIAGNÓSTICO DE AUTISMO NO AMBIENTE FAMILIAR: UMA REVISÃO LITERÁRIA

The article consists of a literature review aimed at deepening the understanding of the impacts of an autism diagnosis on the family environment, with the goal of compiling and discussing the main findings from recent literature on the subject, highlighting how family dynamics are affected after the diagnosis. More specifically, it seeks to contribute to the theoretical framework, identify subtopics related to the proposed theme, point out the main theories and referenced authors, highlight the primary methodologies used, and analyze the emphases, divergences, and gaps in studies on the topic. The review was qualitative in nature, selecting works that met the predefined inclusion criteria. The research strategy was developed based on descriptors from the following platforms: IBICT/BDTD, SCIELO, and ANPED. The terms were combined using the Boolean operators “OR” and “AND.” The search was conducted using the keywords “Family” AND “Diagnosis” AND “Autism Spectrum Disorder”. The results of the research yielded seven works, including scientific articles and master’s theses, published between 2021 and 2024. The review revealed that an autism diagnosis significantly impacts family dynamics, leading to emotional overload and routine adjustments, with an emphasis on the centrality of maternal care and paternal absence, denial and grief, as well as socioeconomic challenges and a lack of institutional support. Gaps persist in the representation of fathers and siblings, in longitudinal studies, and in the socioeconomic diversity of samples.