Autism Spectrum Disorder care and financial rights in Brazil

Experts in Brazil are emphasizing the necessity of individualized therapeutic plans for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to promote inclusion and development. Because ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition with diverse needs, multidisciplinary teams must identify specific skills to stimulate and barriers to overcome. According to the 2022 IBGE Census, 2.4 million people in Brazil have been diagnosed with ASD, representing 1.2% of the population, with the rate rising to 2.6% among children aged five to nine.

Regarding financial support, there are ongoing legal discussions in Brazil concerning the use of FGTS (Severance Indemnity Fund) to cover treatment costs for dependents with ASD. While administrative regulations from Caixa allow withdrawals for dependents of any age with a confirmed level 3 (severe) diagnosis, judicial decisions have occasionally recognized the possibility of fund release in other specific circumstances based on proven medical necessity and documentation.