Brazilian Chamber committee approves aid for caregivers of children with autism

A committee of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill to create the 'Auxílio Mãe Atípica' (AMA), a monthly benefit of R$ 600 for caregivers of children and adolescents with severe disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The proposal, based on a report by Deputy Bruno Ganem for Deputy Carla Dickson’s original bill, includes an additional R$ 150 for each additional dependent in the same condition.

To qualify, caregivers must be registered in the 'Cadastro Único' (CadÚnico) and demonstrate through medical and multiprofessional evaluation that the continuous care required by the dependent prevents them from maintaining formal employment. The bill also guarantees caregivers priority access to psychological services through the Unified Health System (SUS), as well as access to therapeutic and leisure activities.

The project must still pass through the Finance and Taxation Committee, as well as the Constitution, Justice, and Citizenship Committee, before moving to the Senate. If approved by both houses, it will be sent for presidential sanction. This legislative move comes amid rising autism diagnoses in Brazil, with recent data indicating significant increases in school enrollments for students with ASD.