Understanding autism spectrum disorder in preschoolers: challenges and opportunities for early educational intervention.

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5584312414105

• Palavras-chave: autism spectrum disorder, developmental stimulation in ASD, reasonable accommodation.

• Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, developmental stimulation in ASD, reasonable accommodation.

• Abstract:

  This study focuses on the development of an activity guide for 4-year-old children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with the aim of improving their development and social participation. The research was carried out using a non-experimental, participatory action research approach, where the importance lies in the product made, i.e., the activity guide. The method consists of designing worksheets that specify objectives, materials, times, recommended locations, activity development, areas of development, and reasonable adjustments for each activity. These activities are aligned with international screening criteria for ASD, such as those presented in the ICD-11 and DSM-V, and seek to stimulate the development of preschool children. Expected outcomes include improving children's ability to participate in society and strengthening family interaction by enabling parents to understand and participate in their children's activities. In addition, the guide is expected to free teachers from the need to improvise by providing a structured and accessible resource for the classroom. In conclusion, the activity guide not only seeks to improve the skills of children with ASD, but also to facilitate the integration of these children into their educational and family environment, advocating an inclusive and sympathetic approach to human diversity. This project could serve as a basis for future research on the effectiveness of story guides on child development.