Os Benefícios do Surf Terapêutico nas pessoas com Perturbação do Espectro do Autismo

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by deficits in social communication, interaction, and restricted and repetitive behavior patterns. Therapeutic surfing, as a nature-based intervention, has shown benefits in the physical, emotional and social development of individuals with ASD. This qualitative case study study aimed to explore the benefits obtained by individuals with ASD who participate in a therapeutic surfing program in terms of their physical, motor, communicative, sensory and behavioral development. The study included 15 participants (children, young people and adults) of a therapeutic surfing program. Data were collected through documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews with parents, instructors, psychologists and teachers and a health/education assistant technician. Data were analyzed through content analysis according to the methodology proposed by Bardin (2013), with the identification of the main themes and categories. The results showed that therapeutic surfing was effective in several dimensions: emotional and behavioral development (reduction of anxiety, increased confidence and improvements in emotional self-regulation); physical and motor development (improvement of motor coordination, balance and resistance); socialization (greater interaction with peers and instructors, promoting confidence and teamwork); autonomy (progress in tasks such as putting on the wetsuit and adaptation to the aquatic environment). The sessions were organized into four pillars (initial circle, sand time, water time and reflection circle), which facilitated adaptation and achievement of therapeutic objectives. The multidisciplinarity of the teams and communication with families and teachers were crucial to the success of the program. It is concluded that therapeutic surfing is an intervention with great potential for individuals with ASD, promoting improvements in physical, social and emotional well-being. The study highlights the importance of adapting activities to the needs of participants, investing in the training of multidisciplinary teams and expanding the duration and scope of programs to increase benefits.