Brazil prosecutors evaluate autism care policies in Bahia and São Paulo

The 8th Childhood and Youth Public Prosecutor's Office in Salvador (MP‑BA) opened an administrative proceeding to monitor and audit state and municipal health policies for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (TEA). The action aims to map demand, quantify beneficiaries and assess the classification and stratification of users in the health network. Data from the census indicate Bahia has 144,928 people diagnosed with TEA, including 49,920 children and adolescents (34.4% of the total). The prosecutor seeks to strengthen individualized treatment, control waiting lists and expand specialized services in both municipal and state networks.

In São Paulo, civil society, environmental groups and legislators pressured the Ministry of Public to halt construction of a planned municipal Center for People with Autism in the Butantã district's Praça Kaol Sugimoto, a green area of 8,000 m². The Public Prosecutor's Office supported the request, arguing the project would destroy protected vegetation used by families of neuro‑atypical children for recreation and well‑being. The municipal government says the location is being re‑evaluated, while the MP intends to stop the work pending a decision.