dc.description.abstract | At the end of 2015, the first cases of newborns with microcephaly related to the Zika virus
appear in Pernambuco. In view of the severe form, the low brain volume and the destructive
potential of the virus, experts suggest the term Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome. In this
scenario, we developed the present study with the objective of analyzing forms of
communication of children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome, who present early
microcephaly and motor deficit, as well as those who, in addition to these impairments, also
present visual and hearing losses, concomitantly. In this case, the participants brought
demands of different orders due to the complications that occurred in the acquisition of
language and, for this, we do not have a theorist who fully explains them. In this way, we rely
on the studies of Vygotsky and Wallon, each offering some clarification that helped us to
better understand the communication process of these children. We brought Jan Van Dijk's
approach through the coercive movement, highlighting that motor experiences can benefit
the development, communication and learning of children like the ones we study. The
research adopted a qualitative / quantitative, longitudinal approach, and from the point of
view of the objectives it is presented as descriptive, explanatory and analytical, with technical
procedures of collective case study, in which we use Bardin's content analysis, for the
treatment of data. We used as instruments: semi-structured interview, communication map,
behavioral observation protocol and direct observation with filming at the institution and at
home, the latter being analyzed with the help of the ELAN Program. The investigation lasted
eight months, in three phases, with 16 children treated at the Menina dos Olhos
Rehabilitation Center - CER-IV of the Altino Ventura Foundation; diagnosed and confirmed
by Zika infection, and divided into two groups: group A, consisting of children who had
microcephaly and motor deficit; and group B, those who, in addition to these impairments,
also had visual and hearing losses, concomitantly. The work can contribute scientifically to
this theme that is in the initial phase of studies. Through the analyzes we were able to affirm
that the two groups of children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome, presented an atypical
development for the age, but that from the interactions with the mothers, family and
therapists started to demonstrate their potentialities in several areas of development. The
findings showed quantitative and qualitative progress in all children, in the set of
assessments. Most children in group A had non-verbal communication, although a smaller
number were able to communicate verbally. In Group B, we identified the biggest
developments in non-verbal communication, although they were the most physically and
sensorially compromised. We could see that even in the face of groups with different
commitments, the forms of communication are similar among some of them. The
characterization of these findings may guide the planning and multidisciplinary therapeutic
approaches adopted by the professionals involved, making it possible to suggest some
guidelines for parents and caregivers. | eng |