O uso da tecnologia assistiva na promoção do brincar de crianças com paralisia cerebral: a perspectiva de terapeutas ocupacionais

Abstract

Introduction: Playing is the main occupation during childhood, through which children learn to explore the environment, get to know their own bodies and interact with other people. Thus, playful activity is characterized as a potentializer of child development, playing an important role in motor, visual, cognitive, auditory and tactile skills. However, children with cerebral palsy have a different reality from other children, as they face environmental and attitudinal barriers and specific issues of the interaction of the context with their clinical issue, which make playing more challenging. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the use of Assistive Technology in promoting play in children with cerebral palsy. Method: This is an exploratory-descriptive study, with a quantitative-qualitative approach, conducted in a virtual environment. It was carried out with Occupational Therapists who have experience working with the target audience and with Assistive Technology. Data collection was performed through Google Forms, containing specific questions on the study topic. The qualitative analysis methodology was Content Analysis, while the quantitative results were organized into frequency data. Results:The qualitative analysis identified three main categories: (a) Accessibility, (b) Facilitated play, and (c) Production of care in Occupational Therapy. In the quantitative aspect, the data indicated that 60% of Occupational Therapists have training or qualifications in the area of Assistive Technology and Neurodevelopment. In addition, 80% of the participants indicated that resources such as wheelchairs, communication boards, and positioning chairs favor this public to carry out the playful activity. Conclusion: Assistive Technology has great significance in promoting play for children with cerebral palsy, since its use and adaptations in the environment can help reduce the barriers that hinder access to this occupation, promoting greater participation, quality of life and inclusion.