Inclusão no ensino superior: percepções de uma estudante com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo em universidade pública paraibana

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by difficulties in communication, verbal or non-verbal, as well as by the manifestation of behaviors with interests in restricted and repetitive activities. Understanding that this condition is increasingly present in individuals who enter the academic space, being in this case, the university, this study aimed to discuss the possibilities of inclusion and accessibility of a student with the autism spectrum disorder in higher education. It was also intended to understand its implication in the university space and the reflection on legislation and public policies aimed at the target audience of this research. To this end, we conducted a qualitative research and, due to the situation caused by the pandemic of the new coronavirus, we used as an instrument for data collection the application of an online questionnaire with a student with autism spectrum disorder enrolled in a public university in the state of Paraíba. The analyzed data reveal that the investigated student experienced a challenging process in view of her access and permanence in higher education. Even so, she states that she has satisfactory contact with her supporting student and with her teachers. For her, the same thing happens in relation to the understanding / assimilation of the contents. Regarding the relationship with classmates, the student reveals that this contact takes place in a very satisfactory way. Despite all these questions pointing to a reasonable stay at the university, the student reported that she faced barriers during her academic career, characterizing them as small impediments. The student's statements brought greater clarity regarding the need to implement measures to ensure inclusion and accessibility in higher education. Finally, I reaffirm that, despite the numerous challenges pointed out by this research in relation to the academic path of students with autism spectrum disorder, it is possible to find ways that ensure the inclusion and accessibility of these students.