Inclusão Social: A percepção de pessoas com transtorno do espectro autista

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regarding social inclusion. This survey included qualitative and quantitative sociodemographic questions and involved 241 participants aged 14 and older, of any gender. The majority of participants were women from the Southeast region, highly educated, living with their families, and with a per capita income between R$1,000.00 and R$3,000.00. The average age was 31, with a late diagnosis, on average, at 29. Regarding occupational status, 56% were employed, 54% had never worked formally. 93% did not receive government assistance, and 32.4% considered themselves financially independent. In the educational context, 22% dropped out of school, 78.8% for reasons related to ASD, 69.7% participated in the ENEM, of which 93% without quotas and 62.7% achieved the desired place. In the social sphere, 85.9% reported experiencing bullying in various contexts, 52.7% felt rarely included and reported that adapted spaces and public awareness about ASD would aid inclusion. Furthermore, there is a significant difference between men's and women's perceptions regarding the use of sunflower ribbon lanyards and the guarantee of legal rights. Participants reported a perception of social exclusion, exacerbated by late diagnosis, which hindered access to interventions, educational support, and quota policies. Therefore, the effective inclusion of people with ASD at Level 1 requires, in addition to laws, awareness campaigns, and oversight of public policies aimed at early diagnosis.