Brazil sees rising demand for autism and ADHD diagnoses

In Brazil, there is a rapid increase in the demand for diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the 2022 Census, approximately 2.4 million people in the country have a declared ASD diagnosis, representing 1.2% of the population and 2.6% of children aged five to nine. School enrollments for autistic students rose significantly from 294,394 in 2021 to 1,298,637 in 2025, according to Inep data.

Medical professionals note that while families are becoming more informed and seeking earlier interventions, they often face confusion regarding the next steps following a diagnosis. Experts emphasize that a medical report should initiate care rather than conclude it.

Regarding treatment concerns, scientific evidence addresses the common parental fear that stimulant medications for ADHD might increase the risk of future chemical dependency. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry, which followed children for an average of 25 years, found no evidence that proper pharmacological treatment increases the likelihood of frequent use of alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco. Conversely, the ADHD condition itself is associated with a higher probability of developing substance use issues, suggesting that appropriate treatment is essential and must be individualized under specialist supervision.