Philosopher Fernando Murilo Bonato advocates for empathy in inclusive education

During the “Abraçando as Diferenças – Escola para Todos” training program organized by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Mato Grosso (MPMT) in Cuiabá, philosopher and author Fernando Murilo Bonato shared his experiences regarding inclusive education.

Bonato, a level 3 autistic individual with severe apraxia that limits speech, delivered his presentation through his mother, Karina Bonato. He argued that true inclusion requires educators to look beyond medical diagnoses and see the individual student's unique potential. He emphasized that while a medical report presents a case, it is human connection and empathy that transform it.

Now 19 years old and studying Philosophy, Bonato shared how being recognized by school administrators for his potential rather than his limitations allowed him to pursue academic and literary paths. He is currently preparing to release his sixth book.