This thesis aimed to investigate the perceptions of stress and family support in mothers
of children with autism spectrum disorder, from two studies. In study one a systematic
literature review was conducted from original articles published between the years
2002-2012, through the objectives and main results, which are, trying to identify the
factors that generate stress reported in the literature. the research was conducted in two
indexing databases: Portal de Periódicos da CAPES and PubMed. In total, 42 articles
contemplated the inclusion criteria. Towards to the objectives, 15 articles related
maternal stress with child characteristics, 14 with the own mother’s characteristics and
just eight emphasized the influence of context. However, five studies have proposed a
vision of this phenomenon globally. The study II made it possible a practice research of
the issues identified in the literature review, because variables such as stress, burden,
child’s autonomy and family support are crucial to understanding the family impact of
the ASD in these mothers and other family members. Thirty mothers of children aged
three to seven years of age diagnosed with ASD participated of the research through a
quantitative and correlational design. The instruments used were: sociodemographic
Inventory, Inventory Pediatric Evaluation of Disability, Lipp's Inventory of Stress and
Symptom, Inventory of Perceived Family Support and Zarit Burden Interview. The
results showed that 70% of mothers have stress, and 80% of the sample feel burdened.
The burden of care showed moderate relationships with characteristics of autism as
sleep problems, aggression, social isolation, difficulties in self-care, lack of language
and repetitive behaviors. Regarding the perception of family support was generally seen
as high, with 46% (n = 16) of respondents showing high scores, which means that these
mothers feel supported by your family. In general terms , we realize that maternal stress
can present itself as effect associated with the child, the context and parent factors , and
can be seen as a variable that has implications for the perception of burden on the
demands of care required, especially when the perception of family support is
considered.
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