Inclusão de crianças autistas: Um estudo sobre interações sociais no contexto escolar

Abstract

The autistic spectrum is characterized by losses beginning in the early years of life in the areas of social interaction, communication and behavior. Aspects related to the etiology, therapeutic possibilities and inclusion in regular schools are not conclusive, which shows the importance of studies in the area. This study aims to analyze social interactions of children with autistic spectrum disorders in mainstream school contexts, considering the mediation of teachers. Te participants were 42 children, of whom four children had been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, between three and five years old, and four teachers from two regular private schools. Te results showed that the mediation of the teachers was characterized by the use of linguistic directives and physical support. Te participation of children with autistic spectrum disorder in interactional terms was characterized most frequently by behaviors such as looking at people, initiative directed to action, appropriate response and smile. In this sense, understanding how children with autistic spectrum disorders interact with people and objects in school settings and how mediations are conducted by teachers in such moments is highly relevant for elaborating intervention strategies to promote social interaction and the process of school inclusion.