THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIALIZED EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT IN THE COGNITIVE AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Abstract

The present study, entitled “The Role of Specialized Educational Assistance (AEE) in the Cognitive and Social Development of Students with Intellectual Disabilities”, aims to analyze the role of Specialized Educational Assistance (AEE) in the cognitive and social development of students with intellectual disabilities, considering its importance in the challenging process of school inclusion. The AEE constitutes a pedagogical space for support, adaptation planning, and mediation, designed to identify, organize, and implement resources and strategies that promote students’ autonomy and meaningful learning. The work of the AEE teacher, in partnership with the classroom teacher and the pedagogical team, enables the development of educational practices that respect not only the students’ potential but also their individualities, contributing to their overall development. The research is based on authors such as Vygotsky, Mantoan, and Kishimoto, who emphasize the importance of mediation, social interaction, and the use of playful and inclusive resources in the teaching-learning process. This study seeks to highlight the relevance of AEE as an essential tool for the effective implementation of inclusive education, fostering not only cognitive progress but also the strengthening of interpersonal relationships and the self-esteem of students with intellectual disabilities.