Autism and Education: The Use of Alternative Methodologies in Development and Learning

This work aims to reflect on the importance of using alternative methodologies in the process of development and meaningful learning for autistic children in mainstream schools. To this end, it reflects on the inclusion of autistic children, highlighting some of the challenges and possibilities involved in the process of inclusion. It emphasises the importance of building autonomy in autistic children, both inside and outside the school environment, given that we know that typical children easily learn how to dress, speak, sit, eat and perform other actions, while autistic children have great difficulty learning and performing simple daily tasks. It is therefore a priority for educators and family members to provide support so that these children can overcome these difficulties and become more autonomous every day. Even if autistic children do not learn everything they are taught, they will gradually work on interaction, communication, cognition and, consequently, coordination. There will always be advances and setbacks on the part of the child, but no effort will be in vain if there is always love, understanding, and patience.