"My child before and now": parental perceptions of changes in functioning following participation in the global integration method (Método de Integração Global) in children with autism spectrum disorder.

This was a randomised controlled trial — people were assigned to treatments by chance, which is the most reliable way to tell whether a treatment itself caused a change.

The number of people who took part is not stated in this record, so the result cannot be judged on size.

The researchers concluded: "Parents reported perceived changes in functioning following participation in MIG and described positive experiences related to the intervention process."

This record does not state:

• how long the study ran

This is a plain-language summary of one paper's abstract, not medical advice. Talk to your child's clinician before changing anything.

Journal: Frontiers in public health

Year: 2026

Design: Randomized Controlled Trial

Age range: 6-12 years

Intervention: family

Authors: Reinaldo da Costa Paulino Netto, Deisiane Oliveira Souto, Iolanda Costa Rodrigues, Amanda Aparecida Alves Cunha Nascimento, Camila de Oliveira Schumann, Millene Cézar Nunes, Ana Clara Schaper Fernandes, Ana Clara de Carvalho Silva, Patricia Aparecida Neves Santana, Thalita Karla Flores Cruz

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.

Frontiers in public health, 2026

PMID 42491294

DOI 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1851875

This record was extracted from the paper's PubMed abstract and metadata. Full-text methods and risk-of-bias details were not reviewed.