AUTISM AND SCHOOL INCLUSION: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The article addresses the school inclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), emphasizing the analysis of public policies in Brazil, the challenges faced, and the necessary strategies to ensure effective inclusive education. The central issue lies in the gap between the legislation that guarantees the educational rights of children with ASD, such as the Berenice Piana Law (Law No. 12,764/2012) and the Brazilian Inclusion Law (Law No. 13,146/2015), and its application in schools, where adequate infrastructure and teacher training are still lacking. The objective is to investigate the barriers to implementing inclusion policies and propose solutions to make them effective. The methodology was qualitative and exploratory, with documentary data collection. The documents analyzed include the Salamanca Statement (1994), the National Policy on Special Education (2008), and international guidelines, such as those from the World Health Organization and the DSM-5, which provide theoretical foundations for ASD diagnosis. The results indicate that, although there have been significant legislative advances, such as the inclusion of children with ASD in regular schools, implementation remains insufficient. Issues such as a lack of teacher training and the absence of assistive resources in schools are significant barriers. It is concluded that, to overcome the challenges, a coordinated effort between governments, schools, and families is necessary, ensuring that public policies are translated into effective practices capable of promoting the holistic development of children with ASD.