The Centers of Psychosocial Care for Children and Adolescents (CAPSi) are strategic services for treatment of children and adolescents with mental problems, including autism spectrum disorders. This research aimed at creating indicators on the treatment of autistic children and adolescents in CAPSi. The participative research involved mental health workers and parents of children from 14 CAPSi in Rio de Janeiro's metropolitan region. The methodology involved 14 focal groups with workers and three focal groups with parents of patients. The transcriptions of audio recordings of focal groups engendered five "organizers themes", that were elaborated in a final workshop, generating about 130 indicators, which were grouped around five axis: service organization; individual therapeutic project; territorial network and advocacy; family support and organization; professional training and work process. These indicators can serve as guides and references to best practices in caring for people with autism and their families, and can be used in future evaluations of the treatment offered in the CAPSi.
evaluative research; autism; Centers of Psychosocial Care; child and adolescent mental health