Welcoming, coexistence and guarantee of rights. It is in the law, but it should be an ethical commitment of society and a priority of the government. Foz do Iguaçu will be a better place to live as long as it can overcome Slogans and effectively ensure the experience of differences, which are so many.
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O H2FOZ brings, in special report, that 4.150 residents of Foz do Iguaçu, 1,5% of the inhabitants, declare to be included in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The data is from the 2022 IBGE Demographic Census.
Experts and family members say the official number may be higher, due to the range of factors involved in ASD. What is certain is that the numbers pose challenges to the formulation and implementation of public policies at the local level.
One of them is to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis of the number of autistic people in the municipality. The report shows that the age group of 5 to 9 years old accounts for the majority of cases, 793, and more than half of the autistic people, 2.011, are up to 14 years old.
The data suggests that the articulation between health and education can be an ally in the diagnosis, added to the awareness of the family, professionals and community. And it highlights demands in the population range formed by adolescents, young people and adults.
“Another difficulty in diagnosing adolescents and adults is that, throughout their lives, these people may receive misdiagnoses,” warns clinical psychologist Luisa Burt. These people may have their autistic characteristics confused with those of other disorders, she says.
The National Policy for the Protection of the Rights of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder guarantees early diagnosis, treatment, therapies and medication through the Unified Health System. And access to education, social protection, work and services that establish equal opportunities. This is not a favor, it must be repeated: these are rights.
The government must pursue these obligations, and society must internalize them in its daily practices, which can begin with respect in a queue at a store, for example, and interaction without strangeness. Misinformation and lack of training persist.
“Foz do Iguaçu still needs to make significant progress in welcoming and guaranteeing the rights of autistic people,” explains the psychologist. She proposes that a permanent campaign for the community is imperative. And improving services, such as health and education. Welcoming people and rights must go hand in hand.
