Diagnóstico do Transtorno do Espectro do AUTISMO - com Dr. Thiago Castro - EP#188

Dr. Thiago Lopes Desenvolvimento Infantil |Autismo

30 Jul 202105:24

Summary

TLDRThe transcript discusses the importance of a sensitive and empathetic approach when delivering a diagnosis to a family, particularly in the context of a child's health. It emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to reflect on the impact of their words and to support families in understanding the diagnosis. The speaker highlights the potential consequences of a poorly conducted diagnosis, such as delayed treatment and adherence issues, and stresses the importance of involving all family members, especially fathers, in the process. The summary also touches on the role of various health professionals in early identification and guidance, advocating for a collective responsibility in providing compassionate care.

Takeaways

😢 The emotional impact of a diagnosis on a family is significant, with the mother in the script crying for hours after the diagnosis of her child.
👨‍👩‍👦 The importance of family involvement in the diagnostic process, as the family's understanding and acceptance of the diagnosis can greatly affect the child's treatment and future.
🧐 The need for healthcare professionals to reflect on how their words and actions can impact families, especially when delivering difficult news like a diagnosis.
📚 Emphasizing the importance of a thorough and structured approach to diagnosis, including the use of appropriate assessment scales and tools.
🌟 Highlighting the role of empathy and sensitivity in healthcare professionals when communicating a diagnosis to ensure the family's trust and cooperation.
👨‍👧 The potential long-term effects of a poorly conducted diagnosis, which can lead to non-adherence to treatment and prolonged suffering for the family.
👨‍👦 The role of the father in the diagnostic process, often overlooked but crucial in supporting the mother and understanding the child's condition.
👩‍⚕️ The responsibility of all healthcare professionals, not just specialists, to be aware of signs of developmental issues and guide families towards appropriate care.
📉 The challenges faced in different regions, such as the long waiting times for specialist referrals in some areas of Brazil, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
🤔 The script suggests the need for professionals to be proactive in identifying developmental delays and not to distance themselves from the situation, as this can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention.
🌍 The script also touches on the broader responsibility of healthcare professionals to be aware of the global context of their practice, including the varying access to care and the importance of timely intervention.

Q & A

What is the importance of considering the family's perspective when giving a diagnosis?
-Considering the family's perspective is crucial as it helps in understanding the context of their life and society. It allows for better support and explanation of the diagnosis, ensuring that the family is not only informed but also feels understood and supported.
Why is it significant to reflect on the impact of words when discussing a diagnosis with a family?
-The impact of words is significant because they can cause emotional reactions and long-term effects on the family. Words can create insecurity and fear about the future of their child, affecting their ability to cope and adhere to treatment plans.
What was the mother's reaction after the initial assessment of Valentim's symptoms?
-The mother cried for three to four hours continuously after the initial assessment. This reaction highlights the emotional toll that a diagnosis can have on a family.
Why is it essential for healthcare professionals to approach a diagnosis with sensitivity and empathy?
-Sensitivity and empathy are essential because they help in convincing the family of the importance of the diagnosis and treatment. A poor approach can lead to non-adherence to treatment plans, which can be detrimental to the child's health.
What is the role of the father in the diagnostic process according to the script?
-The father's role is important as he often accompanies the child to appointments. His involvement can provide additional support and perspective, which can be beneficial for the child's care.
How can a poor approach to diagnosis affect a family's adherence to treatment?
-A poor approach can lead to the family feeling alienated and not understood, which can result in non-adherence to treatment. This can delay progress and exacerbate the child's condition.
What is the significance of early identification of symptoms by professionals like psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists?
-Early identification by these professionals can help in providing timely intervention and support, which is crucial for the child's development and can prevent delays in treatment.
Why is it important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the emotional burden on mothers during the diagnostic process?
-Being aware of the emotional burden helps professionals to approach the situation with more sensitivity, ensuring that the mother feels supported and not overwhelmed by the diagnosis.
What is the role of educators in identifying developmental delays in children?
-Educators play a crucial role in observing and identifying developmental delays. They can provide early feedback to parents and healthcare professionals, facilitating timely intervention.
How can a lack of sensitivity in the diagnostic process affect a family's trust in healthcare professionals?
-A lack of sensitivity can lead to a breakdown in communication and trust. Families may feel misunderstood or judged, which can result in them not seeking further medical advice or treatment.
What is the importance of a structured approach to diagnosis in healthcare settings?
-A structured approach ensures that the diagnosis is based on scientific evidence and thorough assessment. It provides a solid foundation for treatment plans and helps in building trust with the family.

Outlines

00:00

😔 Emotional Impact of Diagnosis on Families

The first paragraph discusses the emotional toll that a diagnosis can take on a family, particularly the parents. It emphasizes the importance of considering the family's perspective and the societal context when delivering a diagnosis. The speaker reflects on their own experience, recalling the intense emotional reaction of a mother after her child's diagnosis. The paragraph highlights the uncertainty and insecurity that parents may feel regarding their child's future, such as their ability to communicate, interact, and have a profession. It also underscores the responsibility of healthcare professionals to approach diagnoses with sensitivity and empathy, as a poorly handled diagnosis can lead to poor adherence to treatment plans and long-term consequences for the family.

05:00

🤔 The Role of Early Identification and Professional Awareness

The second paragraph focuses on the importance of early identification of developmental delays in children and the role of various professionals in this process. It points out that sometimes, instead of referring a child directly to a specialist, other professionals such as physical educators or school staff might be the first to notice signs of delay. The speaker argues for a more proactive approach where these professionals are encouraged to guide and support families in seeking appropriate help. The paragraph also touches on the challenges of accessing specialized care, especially in regions with limited resources, and the need for all healthcare professionals to be aware of the early signs of developmental issues and the importance of timely intervention.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Diagnostic Process

The diagnostic process refers to the steps taken by healthcare professionals to identify a condition or disease in a patient. In the video, it highlights the importance of considering the family's perspective and the emotional impact when delivering a diagnosis, especially for conditions like autism. The process is described as one that should be approached with sensitivity and empathy, ensuring the family is supported throughout.

💡Family Impact

Family impact refers to the effect a diagnosis can have on the patient's family. The video discusses how receiving a diagnosis, particularly for a child, can be emotionally overwhelming for parents, as it raises concerns about the child's future communication abilities, independence, and career prospects. The importance of healthcare professionals acknowledging and addressing these concerns is emphasized.

💡Empathy in Healthcare

Empathy in healthcare is the ability of healthcare providers to understand and share the feelings of the patient's family. The video stresses the need for professionals to approach the diagnostic process with empathy, considering how they would feel if they were in the family's situation. This approach can help in gaining the family's trust and improving their adherence to treatment recommendations.

💡Adherence to Treatment

Adherence to treatment refers to how well a patient or their family follows the prescribed healthcare plan. In the video, it is mentioned that a poorly handled diagnosis can lead to a lack of adherence, as families may be too overwhelmed or mistrustful to follow through with treatment. Proper communication and empathy are critical in ensuring that families are engaged and committed to the treatment plan.

💡Sensitivity

Sensitivity in this context refers to the careful and considerate approach needed when discussing a diagnosis with a family. The video highlights that healthcare professionals should be sensitive to the emotional and psychological state of the family, as a harsh or abrupt approach can lead to long-lasting negative effects, including delays in treatment adherence.

💡Professional Responsibility

Professional responsibility involves the ethical duty of healthcare providers to deliver care that is in the best interest of the patient and their family. The video suggests that all healthcare professionals, not just specialists like neuropediatricians or psychiatrists, have a responsibility to recognize and address potential developmental issues early, guiding families appropriately.

💡Early Intervention

Early intervention refers to the timely identification and support provided to children who show signs of developmental delays or other health issues. The video underscores the importance of early intervention, suggesting that when professionals, such as psychologists or speech therapists, identify potential issues early on, they can guide families toward necessary resources and treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes.

💡Multidisciplinary Approach

A multidisciplinary approach involves various healthcare professionals from different fields working together to diagnose and treat a patient. The video highlights that in many regions, access to specialists may be delayed, making it crucial for other professionals like occupational therapists or psychologists to take an active role in the early stages of diagnosis and support.

💡Parental Involvement

Parental involvement refers to the active participation of parents in the diagnostic and treatment process of their child. The video emphasizes that involving parents, particularly fathers who may be less engaged, is crucial for the successful management of a child's condition. Ensuring that both parents understand and support the diagnosis and treatment plan can improve adherence and outcomes.

💡Psychological Support

Psychological support refers to the emotional and mental health assistance provided to families dealing with a difficult diagnosis. The video discusses how the emotional toll of a diagnosis can be significant, leading to reactions like prolonged crying and distress. Providing psychological support to families can help them cope with the diagnosis and manage the associated challenges more effectively.

Highlights

Importance of considering the family's perspective when giving a diagnosis and reflecting on their feelings and societal context.

The emotional impact of diagnosis on the family, as seen when the mother cried for hours after the evaluation of her child Valentim.

The challenge of communicating a diagnosis in a way that is sensitive and supportive to the family.

The need for healthcare professionals to be empathetic and convincing when discussing a diagnosis with a family.

The potential negative consequences of a poorly conducted diagnosis, such as a lack of adherence to treatment.

The role of the father in the consultation process and the importance of involving all family members.

The burden on mothers and the need for sensitivity when dealing with the diagnosis of their children.

The importance of early identification and intervention in children's development.

The natural desire of parents to not want their child to have any condition, and the need to respect this sentiment.

The responsibility of healthcare professionals to guide and support families through the diagnosis process.

The potential for professionals other than neurologists or child psychiatrists to identify and guide families early on.

The importance of being attentive to the signs of developmental delay and the role of various professionals in early identification.

The potential for miscommunication or lack of guidance leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

The need for healthcare professionals to be well-prepared with a repertoire of diagnostic tools and arguments.

The emphasis on the importance of a structured approach to diagnosis to ensure proper adherence and treatment.

The recognition that sometimes the journey to a diagnosis can be long and arduous, affecting families deeply.