Rights on paper, challenges in practice

an assessment of public policies for Autism Spectrum Disorder – ASD

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of public policies for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Brazil, focusing on Rio de Janeiro. Despite legal advances such as the Berenice Piana Law (2012), there are significant failures in the implementation of these policies. The research investigates these issues through a literature review and a qualitative analysis of testimonials, based on the hypothesis that policies fail due to poor management, lack of resources, and insufficient social participation. The theoretical framework discusses the effectiveness of public policies, social inclusion, and human rights, illustrating how these concepts apply to the ASD context. The results confirm that, in practice, people with autism face difficulties such as delays in diagnosis, a lack of qualified professionals, and unprepared schools. These problems limit access to basic rights and overburden families. In conclusion, the study proposes measures to improve these policies, including greater investment in professional training, the creation of monitoring systems, and the expansion of civil society participation. The goal is to transform laws into concrete actions that ensure true inclusion and quality of life for people with ASD. This analysis aims to contribute to the development of more efficient and humanized policies throughout the country.