The 2022 IBGE Demographic Census identified 2,4 million people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Brazil, which represents 1,2% of the national population. In Foz do Iguaçu, the survey identified 4.150 residents with autism, a number equivalent to 1,5% of the city's inhabitants.
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Furthermore, Foz do Iguaçu ranks sixth among the cities in Paraná with the highest absolute number of autistic people, behind only Curitiba, Londrina, São José dos Pinhais, Cascavel and Maringá. In percentage terms, the city ranks 20th in the state, while Guaratuba leads with 2,3%.
When analyzing the profile of diagnoses in Foz, it is observed that the prevalence is higher among men (2.687) than among women (1.463). The age group of 5 to 9 years old accounts for the majority of cases (793), and more than half of autistic people (2.011) are up to 14 years old. Even so, the diagnosis is distributed across all age groups, including adults and the elderly.
Alexandro Castagnaro, census area coordinator, explains that the data collected is self-reported by the interviewees. “The agent asked if any resident of the household had ever received a report or diagnosis of autism from a health professional,” he explains.
Education of the autistic population
The census also revealed important data on the education of the autistic population in Foz do Iguaçu. Among the 1.581 residents aged 25 or over, 637 have incomplete elementary education or no education. On the other hand, 430 have completed higher education, 371 have finished high school and 143 have completed elementary or incomplete high school.
Number may be higher
According to clinical psychologist Luisa Burt, organizer of the Foz do Iguaçu Group of Autistic Adults (GATEA), the increase in autism diagnoses is related to greater awareness, improved assessment tools and better training of health professionals. However, she emphasizes that the scenario still requires much progress.
Luisa also reports that the official number may be an underestimate, as the autistic spectrum is broad and presents a great diversity of challenges and needs.
The professional, who specializes in Psychotherapy for Neurodivergent Adults and works with autistic adults, highlights that this diversity — combined with racial, sociocultural, socioeconomic, gender, affectivity and sexuality factors — is often not considered in the evaluation processes, although this is essential.
She adds: “The absence of this broader perspective can make it difficult to identify people as autistic. It is necessary to understand autism in its plurality. Autistic people can belong to any age group, gender, social class, race, affectivity or sexuality.”
Furthermore, another difficulty in diagnosing adolescents and adults is that, throughout their lives, these people may receive incorrect diagnoses, with their autistic characteristics being confused with those of other disorders. Another important aspect to mention is the barriers to accessing health services and the lack of trained professionals.
Support group in Foz
Luisa Burt is responsible for organizing the Foz do Iguaçu Group of Autistic Adults (GATEA). The collective was created in May 2023 with the aim of providing a space made by autistic adults for autistic adults. The main purpose is to seek to promote the meeting of new people, the exchange of experiences and opportunities for personal growth and social development.
The group currently has 95 members and frequently receives new participants. Most of these new members receive their diagnosis late — that is, they are autistic people who went unnoticed during childhood and adolescence, and the vast majority of them are at level 1 support.
“We are an independent group, with an informative, instructive, recreational and support nature, aimed exclusively at adults with a clinical diagnosis of autism and people who are in the pre-diagnostic evaluation phase. Support companions are welcome whenever necessary”, explains Luisa.
Meetings are announced in the WhatsApp group and on Instagram @gateafoz. To participate, simply contact us via Instagram so that the person can be added to the WhatsApp group. It is necessary to present a report, Identification Card for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (CIPTEA) or a document issued by a health professional proving that the person is undergoing diagnostic investigation.
The meetings take place every 15 days and have two modalities:
- formal: discussion groups on topics related to autism in adult life, its challenges, experiences and rights. They usually take place on Fridays, from 19:21 pm to 30:XNUMX pm; and
- informal: moments of fellowship and interaction between participants, generally in coffee shops, on Saturdays, at 16 pm.
