Ayla Gabriele Xavier Gomes, a 6-year-old girl with autism, has not attended school for over a month due to the school's failure to provide a support professional as required.
Ayla Gabriele Xavier Gomes, a 6-year-old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has been unable to attend her municipal school in Teresina for over a month due to the absence of a necessary support professional. Her family reports that they officially requested this support about a month and a half ago, submitting medical documentation, but have yet to receive any follow-up or assistance from the school administration. Meanwhile, the child has been away from the school environment for about three months, including school vacations, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The Municipal Secretary of Education (Semec) confirmed that while Ayla has not yet been provided with a support professional, her case is undergoing final analysis and administrative processes. The Secretary emphasized that the support protocols for students in Special Education follow specific bureaucratic procedures and depend on the submission and review of documents from the school. This situation raises concerns about delays in providing essential educational support to children with special needs, impacting their right to education.
Ayla's father has expressed frustration over the bureaucratic delays and the lack of communication regarding the status of their request. The family’s plight underscores not only the personal challenges faced by children with autism and their families but also highlights ongoing issues within the educational system in Brazil regarding proper resources and support for students with special needs. This case is emblematic of broader systemic challenges and the need for greater accountability in ensuring that children receive the educational services they require.
