Senate Approves Universal Autism Care by SUS

Today (6) the Senate approved a bill (PL) to establish comprehensive care centers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients in the Unified Health System (SUS). This commitment is due to the development of the National Policy to Protect the Rights of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder stipulated in the project. The text goes to the House of Representatives.

The law states that SUS provides comprehensive care for the health needs of people with autism. Comprehensive care includes early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and access to medications and nutrients. Care centers for people with autism will facilitate access for these patients to SUS and should contribute to increased services provided, according to an assessment by the Senate Human Rights Committee.

The project arose from a proposal that the e-Citizenship Tool received with popular participation in the Senate.

The author of the proposal, Citizen Irene Jocka, is the mother of an autistic person. “This is proof that being a citizen is not just about living in a community, it is about changing that community. And you change society when you fight, when you demand the politicians, your rulers, to fulfill their rights. The project rapporteur, Senator Fabiano Contarato (Rede-ES), said,” Congratulations on this proposal and this mother.”