Asma: a percepçao de crianças e adolescentes sobre sua deficiência, incapacidade e desvantagem

This article was based on the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps and its aim was to identify the perception of asthmatic children and adolescents as to their impairments, handicaps and disabilities. Twelve children and adolescents  ali with a medical diagnosis of persistent moderated asthma, were interviewed and then instructed to produced two drawings: one concerning free-will and the another about asthma. A qualitative research approach was,used. Aspects related to their knowledge of the disease, its impact on daily life, and the strategies they could utilize in order to better operate at home, in school and their personal relations, was proposed. We concluded that these issues, when acknowledged and understood, can assist the health team to alert them and increase their awareness as to the close relationship between asthmatic children and adolescents as well as the way they feel and act related to this disease.