Brazil's courts affirm disability status for autistic public‑exam candidates

In March 2025 the São Paulo Court of Justice upheld the appeal of an autistic candidate who had been denied a public‑exam disability (PCD) seat. Despite a detailed psychiatric report and a state‑issued autism identification card, the exam’s medical board rejected the diagnosis after a brief interview. Judge Fermino Magnani Filho ruled the board’s decision a gross error, confirming that the 2012 Berenice Piana law treats autism as a disability regardless of severity. A similar ruling was later issued by the Federal District Court, reinforcing the legal interpretation that autism level does not limit eligibility for disability protections in public‑service recruitment.

Separately, research highlighted the broader health challenges faced by people with autism. A study published in November 2025 in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry examined 673 children in Chennai, India, finding that 51.6 % of those with autism or ADHD had dental development disorders—far higher than the 22.6 % observed in neurotypical peers. The investigation identified increased rates of hypodontia, supernumerary teeth, and enamel hypoplasia, linking sensory sensitivities, dietary restrictions, and medication side effects to oral health problems. The findings stress the need for early, multidisciplinary dental care for autistic individuals.