A PESSOA COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA NO CONTEXTO DO MERCADO DE TRABALHO: Desafios e vivências de inclusão social

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in socialization and environmental interaction, restricted interests, and stereotyped movements. Workforce inclusion of individuals with ASD is directly tied to promoting equity, enhancing self-esteem, and recognizing their capabilities as productive citizens. This research aims to analyze the process of including individuals with ASD in the job market, identifying their main difficulties and challenges, as well as how they strive to overcome them. The participants are individuals with ASD supported by the Association of Friends of the Autistic of State of Maranhão (Associação de Amigos do Autista do Maranhão) and others identified through active search in São Luís/Maranhão. All participants are of economically active age, starting from 14 years old, totaling 23 participants. Within this framework, the research adopted an exploratory and descriptive design with a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews containing open and closed questions to gather data in the field. The data identified in the interviews were tabulated and categorized based on Bardin (2016). The most significant results were primarily based on data analysis regarding the employment of individuals with disabilities in Brazil, identified in the 2022 National Household Sample Survey (PNAD 2022). The findings demonstrated that individuals with disabilities consistently face lower employment rates compared to those without disabilities, underscoring a persistent reality of exclusion and inequality. Notably, the field research findings indicated that: labor market inclusion of individuals with ASD at the local level is as incipient and limited as it is nationwide; social markers contributing to greater employability among participants were linked to ethnicity, gender, education, and level of support; informal employment serves as an important source of income for those with greater work-related impairments and requires attention from public policies; and participants' prospects for inclusion in the job market depend on increased societal and employer awareness and understanding of the disorder, thereby addressing prejudice and ableism.