Rio and Santa Catarina Pass New Autism Support Laws in Brazil

Mayor Eduardo Cavalieri of Rio de Janeiro signed three municipal laws drafted by councilor Paulo Messina to improve assistance for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Law 9.540 defines municipal assistance guidelines, Law 9.542 creates the "Programa Escola Amiga do Autista" for inclusive schooling, and Law 9.543 establishes a home‑vaccination program for autistic residents. Messina said, “Com a sanção e a aplicação dessas leis, o município do Rio dará um grande passo na assistência aos autistas,” and noted that his mobile office had already helped more than 3,600 families.

In the state of Santa Catarina, deputy Dr. Vicente Caropreso (União Brasil) authored a law creating a Special State Pension for individuals with level‑3 autism. The benefit provides a monthly payment of one minimum wage to over 500 families, subject to a multidisciplinary report, two‑year state residence, family income up to two minimum wages and no receipt of the federal BPC benefit. Applications are handled through the Fundação Catarinense de Educação Especial or local APAE units.