From Cradle to School. The Turbulent Evolution During the First Educational Transition of Autistic Students

Abstract

To promote inclusive education, attention must be paid to exclusionary processes. Students considered within the autism spectrum are, without a doubt, at greater risk of exclusion than others. This paper will show partial results of a project that has asked what are the barriers and supports that families with sons or daughters with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face in their first educational transition. Using a qualitative, phenomenological-interpretive methodology and a cross-sectional design, the life stories of 6 students with ASD (out of a total sample of 22) have been analyzed in depth, with special attention to the processes of social participation. The thematic analyzes carried out show some "lights" and many "shadows" in this first transition and with it what can be learned to move towards a more inclusive and quality educational system that benefits all students.