Elaboraçao e validaçao de conteúdo de um questionário sobre a percepção de pais acerca do processo diagnóstico de crianças com transtorno do espectro autista

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impairs neurodevelopment, significantly affecting communication and language. The perception of caregivers regarding the child's clinical signs plays a fundamental role in the diagnostic process. In this context, the development of instruments that allow parents to understand the diagnosis becomes essential. Objective: To develop and validate the content of a questionnaire about parents' perception of the diagnostic process of children with ASD. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and qualitative study. The initial version, composed of nineteen questions, was analyzed by five speech-language pathologists who evaluated each item based on criteria of clarity, relevance, and pertinence. Results: The method of constructing and evaluating the instrument was guided by the COSMIN guidelines and based on the patient report-based instrument (PROM) approach. The questionnaire, initially composed of 19 items, was submitted to the evaluation of the five speech-language pathologist judges. The analysis followed the criteria of content validity, comprehensibility, and semantic adequacy. The process took place in four successive rounds of evaluation. The results presented show that the questionnaire underwent a rigorous content validation process, with the participation of judges and successive rounds of refinement that ensured greater clarity, relevance, and clinical applicability. The exclusion of redundant items and the progressive convergence of evaluations resulted in a final version of 17 questions, considered robust and suitable for the context of Speech-Language Pathology. Final Considerations: The questionnaire studied in this research allows families to take a more effective role and to discuss their positions, doubts, anxieties, and expectations with professionals. The validated questionnaire constitutes a suitable instrument for collecting information from parents or guardians of children with ASD, and can significantly contribute to clinical practices and future research focused on the diagnostic process.