Polyclinic Lago de Tucuruí offers a welcoming space for caregivers of autistic individuals
'Relax Space' is a project of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Care Center (Natea) to value families and strengthen the support network
Starting this month, parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), attended at the Polyclinic Lago de Tucuruí, in southeastern Pará, will have an environment dedicated exclusively to their welcome and well-being. This is the "Relax Space," an initiative implemented by the Autism Spectrum Disorder Care Center (Natea), aimed at providing comfort, rest, and tranquility to those who accompany users during therapies — held twice a week, with an average duration of 1h30.
Conceived by the management team of the Center, the project seeks to recognize and care for those who are daily on the front lines of family support. "The project was designed to give caregivers a moment of pause. We know that the routine of those who accompany a person with ASD is intense and often exhausting. Having a space to relax while they wait is a gesture of respect and appreciation for these families," says Cláudia Godoy, coordinator of Natea.
The unit is a reference in the region and serves children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years, from the seven municipalities that make up the Lago de Tucuruí Integration Region: Breu Branco, Goianésia do Pará, Itupiranga, Jacundá, Nova Ipixuna, Novo Repartimento, and Tucuruí.
The initiative arose from listening to families
The creation of the space also arose from the active listening of users. Daniel Brito, father of a teenager in treatment, celebrated the news: "Without a doubt, I thought the space was great. I had already made this suggestion before and now I found it wonderful to see that it was addressed," he celebrated.
Lidiane de Sousa, mother of little Thayller Pereira, 8 years old, reinforces: "I thought it was perfect, we needed a place to rest amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life," said the caregiver.
Eliezer Valente, father of Lilian do Nascimento, was moved by the new space designed for companions. "It was something surprising for us parents. While our children receive care, we receive welcome. It was a very noble gesture from the team; this space reminds us that: taking care of ourselves is also loving our children," he said.
Reception
For the professionals at the unit, the measure represents an advance in the humanization of care. "Creating a resting space for atypical parents and mothers demonstrates sensitivity and respect. It is a way to also care for those who care, promoting emotional well-being and strengthening the bonds between users," says Lívia Silva dos Santos, receptionist at NATEA. According to her, the environment also encourages the exchange of experiences and the formation of support networks among caregivers.
The executive director of the Polyclinic, Léia Sandim, emphasizes the importance of the initiative. "The Relax Space is more than a physical environment. It represents a policy of integral care, which looks not only at the patient but also at those who are by their side, day after day. This type of action humanizes public health and strengthens the bond between the unit and families," she highlights.
About the Nateas
The Nateas (Nuclei of Attention to Autism Spectrum Disorder) are health devices designed by the State Coordination of Autism Policies (Cepa), linked to Sespa, with the proposal to expand and restructure the services offered by the Specialized Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CETEA).
The goal is to decentralize and regionalize specialized care, meet the high unmet demand for qualified services, reduce waiting lists, and fill the historical gap of evidence-based assistance for ASD within the SUS.
The model adopted by the Nuclei follows the concept of Evidence-Based Practice, originated in the health field, which seeks to systematize, validate, and prioritize peer-reviewed clinical studies. The intention is to ensure evaluation, treatment, and intervention protocols that are effective and backed by science, ensuring more quality and effectiveness in the care of people with autism.
In addition to therapeutic care, Natea conducts screenings and clinical evaluations for patients with confirmed or under investigation ASD diagnosis. The state government unit is managed by the Institute of Social Health of the Amazon (ISSAA), in partnership with the State Department of Public Health of Pará (Sespa). Care is free, via the Unified Health System (SUS), subject to state regulation.
Service:
The Polyclinic Lago de Tucuruí is located at Avenida Raimundo Veridiano Cardoso, No. 1008, in the Santa Mônica neighborhood, in Tucuruí.
Text by Roberta Paraense
