# Brazil autism policy and inclusion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-autism-policy-and-inclusion > Updated: 2026-09-04T14:33:50.000Z. Sources: 56. Developments: 9. In late July 2026, Brazil’s public prosecutors began scrutinising autism services. In Salvador, the 8th Childhood and Youth Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an administrative proceeding to audit state and municipal health policies, aiming to map demand and improve treatment pathways. Simultaneously, civil-society pressure in São Paulo led prosecutors to oppose a new municipal autism centre on a protected green site, prompting a re-evaluation of the project. Research highlighted a sharp rise in autism diagnoses, now estimated at 2.4 million people (about 1.2% of the population). Broader diagnostic criteria have uncovered many adults who were previously undiagnosed, exposing gaps in support. By early August, officials noted that families in states like Mato Grosso still face months of delays for diagnoses and specialist appointments. While enrollment of students with autism in special-education programmes rose to 44.2% by 2024, inclusion remains uneven due to a lack of trained staff, and roughly 85% of autistic adults remain outside the labour market. Legal and institutional efforts to expand care continue. In Acre, the Public Prosecutor's Office (MPAC) has opened an administrative procedure to monitor public policies for adults in Cruzeiro do Sul, specifically focusing on the construction and technical readiness of the Centro Especializado em Reabilitação (CER) of the Vale do Juruá. In Bahia, a magistrate in Ituberá ruled that a health insurer must provide a five-year-old child with full access to prescribed therapies, including psychological and speech-language services, citing constitutional guarantees. However, new investigations have emerged regarding service quality. In mid-August, the Bahia Civil Police launched the second phase of ‘Operação Neurodignos’ in Salvador to investigate irregularities in healthcare and therapeutic services for children with ASD. This operation included search and seizure warrants at various locations, including a clinic belonging to the Hapvida group, following complaints regarding technical standards of care. ## Claims - The state of Rio de Janeiro created the Disque Autismo service to combat rights violations against people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (corroborated by 3 sources) - The service will be accessible via telephone, websites, and mobile applications. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The law guarantees anonymity and confidentiality for those reporting abuse or rights violations. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The channel will provide information on accessing health, education, and social assistance services. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Interim Governor Ricardo Couto sanctioned Law No. 11.297. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The specific telephone number for the service has not yet been released. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Informational posters regarding the service will be displayed in public and private schools and health centers. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Disque Autismo service will be free of charge. (single source) - Suzano has issued 1,191 identification cards for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Ciptea) since 2022. (single source) - Amazonas enacted Law No. 8.214/2026 to encourage the inclusion of autistic youth in the labor market through apprenticeship programs. (single source) - A Brazilian commission approved a proposal establishing specific rules for companions of autistic children and adolescents in healthcare settings. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Brazil court grants remote work and reduced hours to employee with autism A Brazilian court granted a web developer with autism the right to full remote work and a 30% reduction in hours without salary cuts due to sensory overload issues. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-court-grants-remote-work-and-reduced-hours-to-employee-with-autism ### 2026-09-03: Brazil implements various policies to support people with autism Brazil is implementing various policies to support the autistic community, including identification cards in Suzano, labor inclusion laws in Amazonas, and new national protocols for healthcare companions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-implements-various-policies-to-support-people-with-autism ### 2026-08-27: Rio de Janeiro establishes Disque Autismo to protect rights Rio de Janeiro has launched ‘Disque Autismo’, a free telephone and digital service to report abuse and provide guidance on rights and services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-establishes-disque-autismo-to-protect-rights ### 2026-08-24: Brazil expands autism support through new facility and digital platform New autism support initiatives in Brazil include the establishment of a multidisciplinary care center in Marechal Cândido Rondon and the launch of the Neuve digital platform for neurodivergent families. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-expands-autism-support-through-new-facility-and-digital-platform ### 2026-08-13: Brazil expands specialized support and training for Autism Spectrum Disorder Brazilian health and education entities are expanding specialized support and training for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) following a significant rise in diagnoses and service demand. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-expands-specialized-support-and-training-for-autism-spectrum-disorder ### 2026-08-05: Brazilian authorities advance autism care in Acre and Bahia Brazil's Acre prosecutor monitors autism services for adults, while a Bahia judge orders an insurer to provide comprehensive therapies for a child with autism, citing constitutional health rights. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-authorities-advance-autism-care-in-acre-and-bahia ### 2026-08-03: Brazil Expands Autism Care Amid Diagnosis Delays Brazil's census shows 2.4 million autistic citizens; long diagnosis waits persist, especially in Mato Grosso. A 2024 law creates a national registry, while Rio's SUPCPTEA expands diagnostic services and SUS‑gu 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-expands-autism-care-amid-diagnosis-delays ### 2026-07-28: Autism Diagnosis Rise Highlights Inclusion Gaps in Brazil and Portugal Brazil's census shows 2.4 million autism diagnoses, while a Portuguese mother shares her son's early diagnosis and ongoing inclusion challenges, highlighting systemic gaps. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/autism-diagnosis-rise-highlights-inclusion-gaps-in-brazil-and-portugal ### 2026-07-27: Brazil prosecutors evaluate autism care policies in Bahia and São Paulo Brazil's public prosecutors are reviewing autism care in Bahia, mapping over 144,000 diagnoses, and have moved to block a São Paulo municipal autism center’s construction in a protected park after civil‑society 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-prosecutors-evaluate-autism-care-policies-in-bahia-and-so-paulo --- Cite as: Brazil autism policy and inclusion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-autism-policy-and-inclusion