Rights and social support to families of children with autism spectrum disorders: an interview with Brazilian mothers

Background: The child with autism spectrum disorders has problems with socialization and coexistence. The lack of knowledge about the problem and the difficulties that families and institutions face in dealing with inclusion do not help the development and coexistence in society. Inclusion is not simple, because it requires specialized and accessible care. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the perception of the mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders on the social support received, in order to promote a reflection on the guarantee of human rights. Methods: This is narrative research, cross-sectional qualitative. An unstructured interview applied to 20 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders, followed by a health service and residents of a Brazilian city. The interviews to analyze by the Method of Meaning Interpretation, based on dialectical hermeneutic principles. Results: It was found that, in general, the participants reported that they like to live in the city, mainly because they are close to their relatives. They reported dissatisfaction with issues related to leisure and safety, and with schools, pointing out that these spaces are not prepared to review their children. As for the benefits received and affordability, they should not be so. It can be seen that these families have few opportunities for effective access to inclusive services. Civil society and the government need to hear these families. Conclusions: Families of children with autism spectrum disorders need greater social participation in communities in order to claim accessible spaces and the realization of the rights to the city and health that everyone deserves.