Resumo:
Introduction: Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) focuses on the prevention and
identification of risks to child development, prioritizing natural contexts and family
protagonism. This study aimed to analyze the practice of occupational therapy in early
intervention and its impact on the development and quality of life of children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: Exploratory research with a qualitative approach. Data
were collected through an online questionnaire applied to occupational therapists working
from the early intervention perspective with children with ASD. Results and discussion:
Twenty-three participants responded to the questionnaire, which was analyzed in the
following categories: sociodemographic characterization of respondents, professional training
and practice profiles, occupational therapists’ conception regarding the theme, and practice
within the ECI perspective, including motivations for seeking specific training, challenges,
and resources used.Conclusion: The professionals demonstrated an understanding of early
intervention from various theoretical perspectives, recognizing it as a practice that brings
significant benefits to the development of children with ASD in multiple aspects, while also
presenting challenges, especially related to coordination with family, school, and the
multidisciplinary team
