A inclusão é uma decisão | Maysa Leão | TEDxCuiabá

Motherhood and Self-Discovery

• The speaker, a mother of two, found her purpose in life through motherhood.

Autism Diagnosis and Awareness

• The speaker's son, João Lucas, showed signs of autism at age four, including withdrawal, loss of interest in social interactions, and repetitive behaviors.
• After five years of seeking help from specialists, João Lucas was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• The speaker became an activist to raise awareness about autism and prevent other families from experiencing similar challenges.

Understanding Autism

• Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals differently.
• There is no such thing as "mild", "moderate", or "severe" autism.
• Autism is not caused by "refrigerator mothers" or environmental factors; it is a genetic condition diagnosed clinically by a multidisciplinary team.
• There is no blood test or imaging test for autism, and it is not contagious.
• Levels of support are used to describe the amount of support an individual with autism needs.

Challenges of Autism

• Many mothers of children with autism are single parents and face significant challenges.
• Atypical motherhood is filled with insecurities and uncertainties.
• Many children with autism are non-verbal, making communication difficult.

Advocacy for Inclusion

• The speaker advocates for public policies and works with government bodies to improve the lives of autistic individuals.
• They emphasize the importance of inclusion and the need for society to learn how to include autistic people in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and consumer markets.
• The speaker proposes building a world where everyone is included and invites others to join them in making inclusion a decision.