Challenges and possibilities in the schooling of children with autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract

Objective: To describe parents' perceptions about the challenges and possibilities in the schooling process of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and qualitative research. Conducted with parents of students in the last year of Elementary School II self-declared or diagnosed with ASD, enrolled in the 23 State Schools of Manaus, Amazonas. Results: Parents realized that living with other classmates was a great challenge, that the school environment offers opportunities for social interaction and collective living enables new achievements of autonomy and independence for their children. Although there are several laws and advances in the diagnosis of ASD, inclusion in school environments generates many uncertainties for parents. The greatest expectation of parents was the possibility of their child living and interacting with other classmates and teachers. Conclusion: The condition of being autistic and the lack of preparation of schools/colleagues to receive students with ASD were described as barriers. Bullying occurs, followed by mistreatment, triggering demotivation and trauma in autistic students, who start to have no desire to go to school, not even the family can be sure about the type of problems that may be generated in the future in an environment with traumatic experiences.