Abstract
Objective: To investigate the knowledge of a multidisciplinary team of a Child and Youth Psychosocial Care Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder and to identify the relationship between the characteristics of the Disorder and the child's Play. Method: This was a descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach. The setting for this investigation was a city in the state of Maranhão, the Center for Psychosocial Care for Children and Adolescents (CAPSIJ) was used as a research field. The sample was composed of members of the multidisciplinary team of the CAPS. A questionnaire with open questions was used as data collection material. Results: Study participants, in general, have superficial knowledge about ASD, and, in some cases, these conceptions are mistaken, when not distorted. From the analysis of the professionals' statements, it was found that they have understanding of some characteristics of TEA, however, did not relate these characteristics and playing skills. Conclusion: The participating professionals showed little confidence in expressing the basic concepts of ASD and difficulties in associating the characteristics of ASD when playing functional. Such data may cause concern regarding the intervention offered to this public. It is suggested that further studies investigate how functional play is performed in children with ASD.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Child and Youth Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS IJ), Functional Play.