Maranhão reports 536,000 people with disabilities

Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) indicates that approximately 536,000 people aged two or older in Maranhão live with some form of disability. This figure represents 8.1% of the state's population in that age group, which is higher than the national average of 7.3%.

Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the census recorded 75,283 diagnosed individuals in Maranhão, accounting for 1.1% of the population. In the capital city, São Luís, the proportion is slightly higher at 1.5%, representing approximately 15,290 people. The data also highlights gender differences in autism diagnoses, with 1.4% of men diagnosed compared to 0.9% of women in the state.

The findings reveal significant regional variations, with 111 municipalities reporting disability rates above the state average. Lago do Junco recorded the highest percentage at 12.5%, followed by Peri-Mirim and Bequimão at 12.2%.

Beyond the statistics, the data underscores ongoing challenges for families, including difficulties accessing healthcare, educational infrastructure, and social protections for autistic adults.