“My child before and now”

Parental perceptions of changes in functioning following participation in the global integration method (Método de Integração Global) in children with autism spectrum disorder

Bibliographic Data

ID22080850
AuthorsReinaldo da Costa Paulino Netto (NeuroDevelopment Center), Deisiane Oliveira Souto (0000-0001-8730-643X, NeuroDevelopment Center), Iolanda Costa Rodrigues (0000-0003-3243-6880, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais), Amanda Aparecida Alves Cunha Nascimento (0009-0003-2711-7575, NeuroDevelopment Center), Camila de Oliveira Schumann (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais), Millene Cézar Nunes (NeuroDevelopment Center), Ana Clara Schaper Fernandes (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais), Ana Clara de Carvalho Silva (NeuroDevelopment Center), Patricia Aparecida Neves Santana (NeuroDevelopment Center), Thalita Karla Flores Cruz (0000-0002-5656-2593, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais)
Year2026
Volume14
Publication date2026-07-03
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1851875
OpenAlexW7167239886
LanguageEN
References cited37

Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts children's functioning and participation. Functionality-centered interventions, such as the Global Integration Method (Método de Integração Global—MIG), have been proposed in this context. Understanding parental perceptions is relevant to evaluate their effects on children's daily lives. Objective: To explore parental perceptions of changes in functioning following participation in the MIG program among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), interpreted through the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods This qualitative study was conducted as an embedded component of an ongoing randomized controlled trial evaluating outcomes associated with participation in the MIG program in children with ASD. Parents of children allocated to the intervention group ( n = 18; aged 6–12 years), diagnosed with ASD and classified at support levels I and II, participated in three post-intervention focus groups. Results Findings were organized into three categories: previous experiences with conventional interventions, perceived changes following participation in MIG, and general perceptions of the program. Parents described previous interventions as fragmented, difficult to access, and associated with inconsistent functional experiences. Following participation in MIG, caregivers reported perceived changes related to body functions, particularly motor and communicative aspects, as well as changes in daily activities and social and school participation. Parents also described positive experiences regarding program organization, family support, and expectations regarding future participation and autonomy. Conclusion Parents reported perceived changes in functioning following participation in MIG and described positive experiences related to the intervention process

Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Focus group · International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health · Perception · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders · Family and Disability Support Research

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