Avaliação do funcionamento adaptativo em pessoas com autismo: uma revisão sistemática com metanálise.

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by the existence of a difficulty in communication and social interaction, accompanied by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Within these patterns it is suggested that the analysis of the adaptive functioning be performed. Such functioning refers to adaptive skills in three domains: conceptual, social and practical. However, even after the definition of intellectual disability by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) and the health and disability provisions set forth in the International Classification of Functioning (CIF) assessments of adaptive functioning in people with autism, who do not have concomitant intellectual impairment, are still scarce. Thus, the present research aims to provide an overview of the Brazilian studies about the evaluation of the adaptive functioning in people with autism, through the accomplishment of a systematic review with meta-analysis. For that, in August and September of 2018, searches were made in the SciELO, PePSIC, BVS Brasil databases and in the periodicals available in CAPES and BDTD. We analyzed 27 studies and performed normality tests of the sample. Among the studies, only 7 evaluated the three domains of adaptive abilities expressed in adaptive functioning, and none had as objective the construction of instruments for such. Considering the relevance of identifying adaptive functioning for the promotion of autonomy, it is believed to be essential that studies on adaptive skills in people with ASD, with or without intellectual disability, be carried out in the country. With regard to the limitations of the review, the small sample of studies is highlighted, due also to the restriction of pre-established criteria for the search engines used and the unique inclusion of freely available texts.