Acolher para incluir: a atuação do bibliotecário no atendimento às pessoas autistas

Abstract

Study analyzes the reception and service provided to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the Berilo Borba Library of the Center for Applied Social Sciences at the Federal University of Paraíba, based on the perceptions of the librarians working at the facility. It is based on the understanding that university libraries play a strategic role in promoting inclusion and informational accessibility, especially in light of the demands of audiences with specific needs. The research is characterized as qualitative and descriptive in nature, using a structured questionnaire as the data collection instrument administered to the three librarians at the unit; a qualitative approach was employed for data analysis, seeking to understand the perceptions, practices, and challenges related to serving autistic users. The results show that, although there is professional sensitivity and recognition of the unique characteristics of this audience, inclusive practices still occur sporadically and are predominantly attitudinal, without full institutional systematization. Among the main challenges identified are the lack of specific training for the staff, communication barriers, a scarcity of accessible informational resources, and structural limitations. On the other hand, there is a willingness among professionals to improve services through training, environmental adaptation, and strengthening of communicational accessibility. It is concluded that the consolidation of inclusive university libraries requires institutional planning, continuing education, and the incorporation of principles such as Universal Design into library practices.