Brazilian congressman questions Tarcísio about the dismissal of assistants to students with autism in São Paulo.
A measure that could affect support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder is generating protests and concern among parents and educators.
247 - State Representative Rafa Zimbaldi (Cidadania-SP) filed an official letter with the São Paulo State Department of Education demanding clarification regarding the alleged mass dismissal of auxiliary teachers who work with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other disabilities. The information was confirmed by videos and messages sent to the legislator.
The professionals in question, technically called School Support Professionals for School Activities (PAE-AEs), play an essential role in supporting students with ASD, assisting regular teachers in welcoming and developing these students pedagogically. Until last year, each PAE-AE individually assisted one student with autism in the classroom. However, the administration of Governor Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas (Republicanos) proposes a change in the model: now, each assistant can be responsible for up to five students with ASD simultaneously. In cases of greater need, such as level 3 of the disorder, it will be up to the school to decide whether to maintain individualized support.
The state government's justification for the measure is a "change in the role of PAEs," but the explanation has not convinced parents, teachers, and activists. "This is an urgent matter that requires an immediate response. We cannot allow students with disabilities to be left helpless at such a crucial time as the start of the school year. I await, as soon as possible, a statement from the State Department of Education to ensure that no child is harmed by this decision," stated Rafa Zimbaldi in his official letter.
The potential dismissal of support staff has generated protests in several cities in São Paulo state, with demonstrations, marches, and petitions organized by parents and members of the autistic community. They fear that the measure will cause irreparable harm to the educational support offered to students with ASD and other disabilities.
Federal law - Brazilian Federal Law 12.764/2012, known as the "Berenice Piana" law, guarantees the right to a specialized classroom assistant for people with ASD throughout the country. Currently, the state of São Paulo has approximately 9,000 specialized classroom assistants. In 2023, a call for applications was opened to hire 1,000 new outsourced professionals, but the potential reduction in the number of assistants is a concern for those who depend on this support.
