Autism With Protagonism – Nothing About Us Without Us

Introduction: The educational, professional and social inclusion of people within the autistic spectrum is a recurrent and important theme in our society. However, this discussion is mostly done without starring the voices of autistic people. This work focuses on adult individuals diagnosed as belonging to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) of level 1 support. One of the authors is autistic with level 1 support. Objective: to verify how autistic people have lived or are experiencing their citizenship. Methodology: Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire. The analysis of the answers was done qualitatively. Results: 94 answered. It was observed that the impact of stigmas on autism is noticeable through the view of inclusion as a legislative obligation, and not as a basic right that respects their humanity. It is necessary to put atypical people in the spotlight, respecting their individualities and understanding their claims. The experience of autistic people with level 1 support in the job market and in study environments must still be improved so that they do not feel invalidated, a feeling that arises from the perception that they do not fully adapt to society. There is a consistency in aversive experiences in educational and work environments. They don`t really feel included. Conclusion: the way to overcome the problem in question is to maintain an up-to-date understanding of what makes up ASD, such as talking to the autistic student or worker, putting him in a leading role in his inclusion, understanding his individualities. Although the demands are common to most, inclusive methods must be personalized.

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