ABA in the SUS: what is right, what depends on the network and what should not be promised

Federal legislation guarantees comprehensive health care, multidisciplinary care and habilitation and rehabilitation services when necessary. In the federal sources consulted, there is no national rule that imposes a single therapeutic approach, a specific ABA protocol or a fixed number of hours for every autistic person. The Ministry of Health recommends that care be individualized and organized according to needs and objectives.

There may be professionals and services that use principles, strategies or behavioral interventions, depending on the team's formation, the person's needs and the organization of the local network. This is different from stating that the national SUS guarantees a standardized ABA package in all municipalities.

Primary Care, normally through UBS, is the preferred entry point. Depending on the need, there may be referrals to CER, CAPS/CAPSi, polyclinics, multidisciplinary teams or other reference services in the local network.

No. The family can bring questions, previous assessments, reports and daily priorities. The care plan must consider shared needs, potential, preferences, context and objectives, rather than just starting with the name of a technique.

Ask what the municipal flow for ASD is, which professionals make up the team, how the Singular Therapeutic Project is prepared, what objectives are being monitored, how the family participates in decisions and how the plan will be reassessed.

Availability varies between municipalities. The reference team must guide the existing flow and possible referrals. For administrative information, regulation, ombudsman or municipal network, always confirm the official channels of your city and SUS.