Front Public Health. 2026 Jul 3;14:1851875. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1851875. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
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.
PMID:42491294 | PMC:PMC13376305 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1851875
