DHACA® method implementation strategies by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Maria Luiza da Conceição Marques dos Santos; Ivana Arrais de Lavor Navarro Xavier; Fádja Auxiliadora Alves e Silva; Lauany Beatriz Pedroza da Silva; Ana Cristina de Albuquerque Montenegro

doi:10.1590/1982-0216/20262839925

Original Articles

DHACA^® method implementation strategies by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Estratégias de implementação do método DHACA® utilizadas por responsáveis de crianças com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo

Maria Luiza da Conceição Marques dos Santos; Ivana Arrais de Lavor Navarro Xavier; Fádja Auxiliadora Alves e Silva; Lauany Beatriz Pedroza da Silva; Ana Cristina de Albuquerque Montenegro

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216/20262839925 Revista CEFAC, vol.28, n3, e9925, 2026

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Abstract

Purpose: to investigate the strategies adopted by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in implementing the DHACA^® method.

Methods: cross-sectional, qualitative, exploratory study using primary data collected through structured interviews with caregivers of children undergoing speech-language-hearing intervention with the DHACA^® method. The interviews were transcribed, categorized, and coded to identify patterns according to the content analysis proposed by Bardin.

Results: the analysis showed that family members adopted various communication support strategies. They used the DHACA^® book, articulated with the child's interests, and made it constantly available and accessible at home. Communication partners also demonstrated engagement with the method and the appropriation of the proposed strategies, favoring its functional use in the child's daily life. Other categories emerged during the interview, such as barriers, context of use, communication partners, and impact on the family.

Conclusion: family members used strategies suggested by therapists, such as modeling and physical, visual, and verbal cues, and provided daily communication opportunities using the DHACA^® communication book. These strategies enhanced the development of children's communication skills and the participation and engagement of close communication partners.

Keywords

Autistic Disorder; Communication; Speech-Language Pathology; Assistive Technology; Child Development; Family

Resumo

Objetivo: investigar as estratégias adotadas pelos pais de crianças com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo na implementação do método DHACA®.

Métodos: estudo transversal de abordagem qualitativa e de natureza exploratória, com uso de dados primários, coletados por meio de entrevista estruturada com responsáveis de crianças submetidas à intervenção fonoaudiológica com o método DHACA®. As entrevistas foram transcritas, categorizadas e codificadas, permitindo a identificação de padrões, conforme a análise do conteúdo proposta por Bardin.

Resultados: a análise evidenciou que os familiares adotaram diversas estratégias de apoio à comunicação. Observou-se ainda a utilização do livro DHACA® articulada aos interesses da criança, bem como sua oferta constante e acessível no ambiente domiciliar. Além disso, os parceiros de comunicação demonstraram engajamento no método e na apropriação das estratégias propostas, favorecendo o uso funcional no cotidiano da criança. Outras categorias, surgiram durante a entrevista, como: barreiras, contexto de uso, parceiros de comunicação e impactos no contexto familiar.

Conclusão: os familiares utilizaram estratégias sugeridas pelos terapeutas, como modelagem, dica física, visual, verbal, além de oferecer oportunidades diárias para comunicação com uso do livro de comunicação DHACA®. As estratégias potencializaram o desenvolvimento das habilidades de comunicação das crianças e a participação e engajamento dos parceiros de comunicação próximos.

Palavras-chave

Transtorno Autístico; Comunicação; Fonoaudiologia; Tecnologia Assistiva; Desenvolvimento Infantil; Família

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Submitted date:
10/03/2025

Accepted date:
01/28/2026