Brazil Pushes for Updated Autism Legislation Amid Successful Inclusion Programs in Roraima
Brazil advances autism inclusion with legislative reforms on the horizon and practical inclusion programs thriving in Roraima.
- • Deputy Marangoni advocates updating Brazil's autism legislation to unify and improve current laws.
- • The special commission is reviewing over 70 projects related to autism policy, including PL 3080/20.
- • Early diagnosis and treatment inclusion in SUS are key legislative priorities.
- • In Roraima, the Teamarr program has conducted over 980 sessions and trained 2,000+ professionals and families.
- • The Turistea project enhances sensory and social skills through inclusive tourism for autistic youth.
Key details
Brazil is witnessing significant advances in social inclusion policies for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). On the legislative front, Deputy Marangoni (União-SP), relator of the special commission on the National Policy for People with Autism, emphasized the urgent need to update Brazil's autism legislation. Since the enactment of the Lei Berenice Pina (Law 12.764/2012), which protects the rights of people with ASD, over 70 projects are under review in the Chamber of Deputies to better unify and modernize the legal framework, including PL 3080/20. Marangoni highlighted the importance of guaranteeing early diagnosis by law, ensuring the public health system (SUS) provides this service to enable timely intervention. He also called for securing budget resources for treatment and promoting social inclusion in education and employment. According to IBGE, 2.4 million people are officially diagnosed with autism in Brazil, though experts estimate the real figure could exceed 6 million.
Concurrently, Roraima is setting a practical example of inclusion through the "Teamarr" program, supported by the Legislative Assembly (ALERR). This initiative offers a comprehensive approach to social inclusion for autistic individuals, with over 980 sessions conducted and more than 2,000 professionals and family members trained. Among its notable efforts is the Turistea project, which organizes inclusive tourism for children and adolescents with autism, benefiting over 300 participants by enhancing sensory and social skills. Ramsés Rodrigues, a 16-year-old with autism, praised the program for its supportive and engaging activities. Assembly President Deputy Soldado Sampaio underscored the program's role in providing humanized care and raising community awareness about neurodevelopmental disorders.
These combined legislative discussions and grassroots programs underscore Brazil's commitment to improving the lives of its autistic population through updated policies and innovative social inclusion initiatives.