Encourage social participation, compared to limits and time, is an important step in the fight against isolation
Although autism is increasingly present in conversations, there are still many wrong myths and ideas circulating in everyday life and social networks, especially when it comes to the socialization of autistic children. These wrong ideas can strengthen prejudices, make diagnoses difficult and even limit access to opportunities.
According to the 2022 census of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Brazil has 2.4 million people with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), which represents about 1.2% of the population. Among the children, the prevalence is even more significant: 2.6% of those between 5 and 9 years have already been diagnosed with autism.
A study conducted by the Disorder Informational and the Public Policy Studies Laboratory (Desinfopop/Ceapg/FGV), in collaboration with the Autistas Brasil Association, revealed that the volume of disinformation on disorder in Latin America and the Caribbean communities grew between 15,000% between 2019 and 2024. Brazil appears as a leader on the continuous matter.
Importance of thinking about the socialization of autistic children
The psychologist Alice Tupholo, clinical consultant of brilliant assistance, atypical health network specializing in autistic children and their families, highlights the importance of early intervention to help in the socialization of autistic children.
“Today access to the intervention is directly related to receiving the diagnosis. First the diagnosis It is done, the greater the chances of promoting the development of skills, minimize barriers in the learning process and strengthen social ties. The early intervention can make a significant difference in the quality of life of these children and their families, “he says.
School is a socialization space for children
Another fact of the 2022 census that deserves to be the education rate between autistic people. While, in general, 24.3% of the population is studying, among people with tea this number is higher: 36.9%. If we only look at autistic boys, the school reaches 44.2%, against 24.7% of the male population in general.
“Since the largest age group of maps mapped was between 5 and 9 years, we can say that our autistic children are increasingly present in the essential social spaces for development, such as school”, explains the psychologist.
It is therefore important that these spaces are ready to receive autistic children. “This brings the greatest responsibility to insinuate themselves into educational public policies and how we can support autistic people actually belong to social environments, in a way that respects the uniqueness of each child, without strengthening the stigmas and without trying to put them in standards that do not make sense for them,” says Alice Tufolo.
The fear of the unknown cannot be an obstacle to inclusion
Who is a father or mother knows: childhood is a moment of discoveries and relationships: each child finds his way of connecting with the world. When we talk about autistic children, there are still many incorrect ideas and non -realistic expectations about what it really means to socialize.
Do you remember that feeling of starting a new school? The cold in the belly, the fear of not being accepted? Any human being, inside the spectrum or not, crosses it. Also, also anxiety Of course, they face environments often unprepared to welcome their unique forms of interaction.
“Much of the social stigma was born precisely from ignorance. When we do not understand someone else’s peculiarities, whether they are autistic or not, we tend to interpret particular behaviors of that person as” inappropriate “”, explains Alice Tufolo.
According to the psychologist, the lack of understanding of the characteristics of tea fears, which leads to removal, the removal strengthens prejudice and exclusion. “The first important principle of being looked at is that there is no certain way to socialize. The human being is multiple, different and this diversity must be respected and favored,” he says.
Myths on the socialization of autistic children
Below, Alice Tufolo highlights the main myths on the socialization of autistic children. Check!
1. Autistic people do not want to socialize
Myth. Some autistic children want to interact. What changes is the way this interaction occurs. It may not be the way we are used to seeing, but the desire for connection is there.
2. Socialization valid only if it is the expected way
Myth. The problem already begins with: what is the expected way? How to define, within human multiplicity, only one way? There is an incorrect idea that the child He is only socializing if he actively participates in the group game in a certain form or keeps visual contact, for example.
However, socialization can also mean dividing the same space, sharing interests or simply being together, each in its own way. Because socialization is not to repeat a script, but to build presence and bonds in its own way.
3. Social environments are always a problem for drivers
Myth. Some places may be demanding due to the noise, light, excess stimuli or even the lack of clarity and predictability of what will happen in this space. But this does not justify the child – on the contrary, it is precisely in these moments that the commitment to inclusion must be reaffirmed. With simple adaptations, such as the creation of rest angles or the offer of strategic exits – it is possible to make many more convenient environments.
4. Therapy must “correct” social skills
Myth. Our role as professionals is not to force the child to act in a neurotypical way, but to offer tools so that they can interact the way it is more comfortable, respectful and authentic. Attention should always be on well -being, emotional safety and on the construction of autonomy.
5. The child has the obligation to socialize
Myth. Socialization is a right, not an obligation. In clinical practice, we always strengthen with families: socialization should be a choice of a child. This means respecting when he says he doesn’t want to participate in joke Or a social event, but also when it shows the desire to interact, even if you don’t know how. Encourage social participation, as regards the limits and time of each child, is an important step in the fight against isolation, strengthening emotional bonds and showing that it can belong – in its time.
“More and more, society must understand that inclusion is a collective construction. This means investing in education on autism, allowing professionals of different areas, adapting spaces and, above all, changing the way we see differences. When we understand that there are different ways to connect together, we take an important step towards a more empathetic, different and respectful society”, the psychologist Alice.
By Leticia Carvalho
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
