A Vivência da Gestação e Parto para Familiares de Pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may have particular implications for the experience of pregnancy and childbirth, especially regarding sensory sensitivity, communication, emotional regulation, and the need for predictability. This study aimed to understand the experience of pregnancy and childbirth from the perspective of family members of people with ASD. This was an exploratory and descriptive field study with a qualitative approach. The study corpus consisted of two family members of women with ASD and four mothers with ASD who had experienced pregnancy and childbirth. Data were collected through individual interviews, subsequently transcribed and subjected to Content Analysis according to Bardin. The results revealed limited family knowledge about ASD and its manifestations in adulthood, difficulties in understanding the sensory, emotional, and communication needs of pregnant women, and weaknesses in the provision of support throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Family support was found to be more satisfactory when it respected the autonomy, choices, and preference of autistic women to receive assistance according to their expressed needs. Differences were also identified between family members' perceptions and the experiences reported by the women themselves regarding the care provided by healthcare professionals, particularly concerning communication, active listening, and management of ASD-specific needs. It is concluded that knowledge about autism, qualified listening, respect for autonomy, and individualized care are essential to improving the experiences of autistic pregnant women. Greater preparation of family members and healthcare professionals is therefore necessary to provide inclusive support that is sensitive to the specific needs of this population.