TOWARDS THE INCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: SPORT EDUCATION AND ETHICS OF CARE

Abstract

The pursuit of inclusion for students with autism spectrum disorder in Physical Education represents a significant challenge for educators, who must seek pedagogical responses to meet their educational needs. This study aims to explore the perceptions of teachers involved in the implementation of a sport education season in a secondary education group that included two students with autism. Qualitative data were obtained from reflective journals, interviews, focus groups and field notes, which were analysed considering the components of educational inclusion. The results indicate that the essential characteristics of the model have contributed to increasing the students’ presence, participation, and progress. Additionally, strategies related to the ethics of care have helped improve the attitudes of teachers and peers. These findings suggest that sport education, together with other specific strategies, can contribute to the pursuit of inclusion.

Keywords
Physical Education; Special educational needs; Critical pedagogy