PARENTAL CARE AND SELF-CARE FOR NEURODIVERGENT PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

The daily care of neurodivergent children may involve physical, emotional, social, and organizational demands that affect parents and other caregivers.This study aimed to map the scientific literature on aspects related to self-care among parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children of preschool age. This is a scoping review guided by the PCC framework (Population, Concept, and Context). Eleven studies published between 2013 and 2025, in Portuguese and English, were considered when they addressed parents or caregivers of preschool-aged neurodivergent children and presented a direct or indirect relationship with self-care, caregiver needs, or health promotion. Study selection was conducted by three researchers, with disagreements discussed until consensus was reached. The findings were organized into three themes: Family and care for the neurodivergent child; Therapeutic interventions and development; and Autonomy, independence, and support networks. The literature indicates that caregiving can lead to a reorganization of family routines, information needs, and varying support demands. It is concluded that promoting the child's health must be integrated with care for those who assume daily responsibility for them, recognizing parental self-care as a dimension of family-centered care.