Levantamento do Perfil Diagnóstico dos Estudantes da APAE de Marialva–PR

Abstract

Intellectual disability is characterized by limitations in cognitive and adaptive functioning and may be associated with different genetic, environmental, and perinatal factors. In this context, specialized institutions, such as the Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional Individuals (APAE), play a fundamental role in multidisciplinary follow-up and in the development of inclusion and assistance strategies for people with disabilities. The present study aimed to characterize the clinical and diagnostic profile of students enrolled at the APAE of Marialva, Paraná, Brazil, contributing to the systematization of institutional information and to the understanding of the main healthcare demands of this population. This is a descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative approach, conducted through documentary analysis of 92 school records and institutional medical files of students regularly enrolled in the institution. Sociodemographic, clinical, diagnostic, and gestational and neonatal history data were collected using a structured form developed by the research team. The data were organized in electronic spreadsheets and submitted to descriptive analysis. A predominance of males was observed, corresponding to 61% of the sample. Intellectual Disability was the most frequent diagnosis (47.3%), followed by Autism Spectrum Disorder (28%), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (14%), epilepsy (12.9%), and Down Syndrome (7.5%). A predominance of children and preadolescents was also identified among the evaluated students. The analysis of the records revealed significant incompleteness of the information, especially regarding gestational and neonatal history, limiting more in-depth analyses of possible factors associated with the identified conditions. It is concluded that the assessment of the diagnostic profile of students enrolled at the APAE of Marialva contributes to the understanding of the main clinical and healthcare demands of this population, while also highlighting the need to improve institutional records as a tool for planning, multidisciplinary follow-up, and quality of care.