Mães de escolares com Transtorno do Espectro Autista: percepções e vivências acerca do atendimento educacional especializado

Abstract

The diagnosis of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) changes the routine of the entire family, but it is mothers who generally face challenging changes from the moment they receive confirmation of the diagnosis. Linked to uncertainties and changes in routine, emotional, economic, social, and political issues permeate and weaken these mothers' struggles in a wide range of social settings. Among the rights already achieved is Specialized Educational Services (AEE), which, although specifically aimed at students, school experience shows that the service can reach mothers, impacting their routines and experiences. This research aimed to understand the perceptions and experiences of atypical mothers regarding AEE. To this end, a qualitative, phenomenological, and hermeneutic methodological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers of schoolchildren with ASD assisted by AEE at a municipal school in Fortaleza, Ceará. As a result of the research, it was understood how the condition of the children impacts the mothers' perceptions and experiences of themselves as women; it highlights the limited social and family support, the challenges of caring for a child with ASD; and how AEE operates as social support in welcoming and referring children and mothers to other services. The mothers also express their desires and expectations regarding the expansion of AEE.