Autistic students in Brazil face lack of university support

A study by psychologist Marina Zotesso from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) indicates that university students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Brazil lack the necessary support to remain in higher education. Despite institutions claiming to be inclusive, a lack of pedagogical adaptation, specialized materials, and understanding from professors often leads to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Research highlights that many students struggle with sensory regulation and social isolation, which can significantly increase the risk of suicidal ideation. The study suggests that institutional policies are often too generic to address the specific neurobehavioral needs of autistic students.

In the legal context, Brazilian law prohibits schools from refusing enrollment or charging extra fees for students with ASD. Recent regulations, including the National Policy for Inclusive Special Education and Ministry of Education ordinances, mandate that specialized educational plans and individualized educational programs (PEI) be integrated into school political-pedagogical projects to ensure support is a structured requirement rather than a matter of individual teacher discretion.