Inclusive pedagogical practices with an autistic student in Early Childhood Education

an experience report grounded in neuroscientific evidence

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58041/aprender.273

Keywords:

inclusive education, autism spectrum disorder, learning neuroscience, individualized educational plan, specialized educational support

Abstract

This article reports an experience in Early Childhood Education and early Elementary classes with a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), implementing inclusive pedagogical practices informed by learning neuroscience. The framework integrates executive functions, sensory processing, alternative learning routes, and genetic-metabolic ASD bases with instructional decisions. Qualitative case study used participant observation, field notes, lesson plan and artifact analysis, triangulation, and thematic analysis. Interventions included visual schedules, scaffolded tasks with explicit instructions, multimodal responses, and environmental adjustments for sensory overload, monitoring engagement, transitions, and micro-tasks. Increased participation and attentional organization occurred in predictable activities with visual supports and low verbal load, plus better knowledge expression through visual/tactile modalities. Discusses implications for Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and Specialized Educational Services, single-case limits, and need for validated instruments and multicenter replications.

Author Biographies

  • RODRIGO DE CÁSSIO DA SILVA DA SILVA, State University of Ponta Grossa

    Doctor and Master in Biological Sciences (Environmental Biophysics) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics. Graduated in Biological Sciences (Bachelor's and Licentiate degrees) from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Specialist in Environmental Planning and Education from Cândido Mendes University. Specialist in Sanitary Engineering and Environmental Control from the National School of Public Health (ENSP - FIOCRUZ / 2005). Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at the State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG) in the Department of Structural, Molecular and Genetic Biology (DEBIOGEM) and a faculty member accredited to the Postgraduate Program in Science Teaching and Mathematics Education - PPGECEM/UEPG. He works in the areas of teacher training, science and biology teaching, teacher training for basic education, and the environment (management and environmental education).

  • Carlos Renan Stocco, State University of Ponta Grossa

    Undergraduate student in the Biological Sciences degree program at the State University of Ponta Grossa – UEPG.

  • Adalberto Ferreira Junior, State University of Ponta Grossa

    PhD in Physical Education from the State University of Londrina (UEL). Master's degree from the postgraduate program in Biomedical Sciences (UEPG). Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG). Collaborating professor at the State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG) in the Department of General Biology.

  • José Fabiano Costa Justus, State University of Ponta Grossa

    Graduated in Pharmacy from the State University of Ponta Grossa (1996), with a specialization in Clinical Analysis from the State University of Ponta Grossa (2006), he holds a Specialization in Science Teaching from the Bagozzi Postgraduate Program (2004), a Master's degree in Science and Technology Education from the Federal Technological University of Paraná (2011), and a Doctorate in Surgical Clinic from the Federal University of Paraná (2013). He is a professor at the State University of Ponta Grossa, teaching in the undergraduate programs in Biological Sciences and Physical Education, and in the Professional Master's program in Inclusive Education (PROFEI). He has experience in the areas of Human Anatomy, General Physiology, Pharmacology, and Science Teaching.

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Published

25-06-2026

Issue

No. 51 (2026): Aprender

Section

Tema central

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rodrigo de Cássio da Silva, Carlos Renan Stocco, Adalberto Ferreira Junior, José Fabiano Costa Justus

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

DA SILVA, R. D. C. D. S., Stocco, C. R., Ferreira Junior, A., & Justus, J. F. C. (2026). Inclusive pedagogical practices with an autistic student in Early Childhood Education: an experience report grounded in neuroscientific evidence. Aprender, 51, 43-62. https://doi.org/10.58041/aprender.273