Social competence, school inclusion and autism: Critical literat ure review

Abstract

Autism is a condition characterized by an atypical development in the social interaction and communication, and by a remarkably restricted repertoire of activities and interests. These characteristics can lead the child and her family to a continuous isolation. However, it is believed that the school inclusion can provide these children opportunities to be with others of the same age group, allowing the development of the social competence and learning. The aim of this study was to critically review the literature on the concept of social competence and school inclusion in the area of autism. Few studies were identified about this topic, but with methodological limitations. This situation points to the need of studies that demonstrate the autistic children's interactive potentialities and the possibility of their inclusion in the mainstream school, since early education.