Inclusive university education: prospects for a student with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

In this article, we seek to analyze the inclusion of a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a graduate course at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG). The qualitative research was carried out with a student with ASD, a teacher, and two monitors, in addition to the pedagogue and pedagogical teacher from the Accessibility Center. The semi-structured interview and the questionnaire were used as instruments for data collection. For data analysis, we follow the assumptions of Bardin’s content analysis technique. The analysis evidenced the efforts of the institution to include the student with ASD, which could be verified through the monitor, which accompanies the autistic student, the teacher, who is placed as a tutor, and the involvement of the professionals of the Accessibility Center. Regarding learning, we found that students with ASD present difficulties with organizational and attentional skills, consequently having problems meeting deadlines or even performing activities not consistent with their focus of interest. As for the social relations built by the student throughout the course, we realized that, although he has a good relationship with colleagues and is accepted by the group, he cannot establish more intense relationships, having few social interactions in academic spaces. Finally, our study points out the need to train teachers, monitors, and the academic community, to understand and identify the needs and specificities of students with ASD, contributing to their success in the academic sphere.