Protección legal del derecho a la educación de estudiantes autistas: análisis de caso en Conocoto

Abstract

The present study examines the legal protection of the right to education for autistic students through a case study conducted in Conocoto. Its objective is to analyze the legal safeguards for the educational rights of autistic students in this community, evaluating existing regulations to propose strategies that ensure inclusive and quality education. The research employed a mixed methodology, including the application of the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire and interviews with teachers and psychologists who interact daily with these students. The findings revealed significant challenges, such as a lack of teacher training, inadequate physical infrastructure, and the absence of curricular adaptations. Despite Ecuador's legal framework-encompassing the Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador, the Organic Law on Disabilities (LOD), and the Organic Law on Intercultural Education (LOEI)-which guarantees inclusion and non-discrimination, current educational practices fall short of these standards, often resulting in "symbolic" inclusion that fosters exclusion. To address these issues, it is crucial to implement reasonable adjustments, strengthen public policies, and enhance teacher training to fully guarantee the right to education through curricular adaptations that promote equality and provide dignified and inclusive education for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).