Screening of Medication Intake in Children with ASD: A Questionnaire for Parents and Caregivers

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and comorbidities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often require continuous medication, and medication acceptance is a decisive factor for treatment adherence. The objective of this research was to map the need for a teaching procedure for medication intake in children with ASD, through an online questionnaire applied to 70 parents of children with ASD (aged 3 to 12 years). The results showed difficulties in medication intake, with more than half of the sample’s children unable to swallow solid pharmaceuticals. It was observed that, due to refusal, some caregivers resort to the unindicated administration of the drug, such as crushing or mixing the medication, which may compromise treatment efficacy. Additionally, managing these difficulties revealed a clear picture of maternal overload for the majority of primary caregivers.
When questioned about the importance of a procedure for teaching medication acceptance, most parents consider the training important. The collected data highlight the need for future studies to develop procedures for teaching pill swallowing skills.