Brasília – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sanctioned Law No. 15.256/2025, aimed at strengthening the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among adults and the elderly. The legislation amends the 2012 Autism Protection Law (Law No. 12.764) to incorporate this objective into the National Policy for the Protection of the Rights of People with ASD.

The law responds to growing recognition that many individuals have reached adulthood or old age without a formal diagnosis, often having been misclassified with conditions such as anxiety, depression or schizophrenia. According to the Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), about 2.4 million Brazilians aged two or older already carry a diagnosis of ASD.

By institutionalizing diagnostic incentives for older age groups, the law seeks to expand support networks, improve access to adaptive services and enhance quality of life for this population segment across the lifespan.

Source: Agência Senado

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