On Wednesday, the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) in Brazil ruled that health insurance plans cannot restrict the types or number of therapies available to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This groundbreaking decision was made by the court's Second Section, which established a precedent that covers multidisciplinary sessions including psychology, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. Unanimously, the court decided that contractual clauses imposing limits on therapy sessions are illegal, reinforcing patient rights and access to necessary treatments.

The case was marked by a vote led by Justice Antônio Carlos Ferreira, who highlighted that such limitations in health plans could be considered abusive and detrimental to the welfare of patients. During the deliberation, Justice Daniela Teixeira stated that restricting the number of therapy sessions could ultimately disadvantage the patients and hinder their development. The court's majority opinion confirmed that any contractual agreements reducing access to therapy for individuals with autism are not permissible under Brazilian law.

This ruling is significant as it affirms the rights of individuals with autism and emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive treatment options that cater to their unique needs. It addresses an important aspect of healthcare in Brazil, ensuring that people with ASD have equitable access to a range of therapies crucial for their development. This decision may also encourage further legislative measures to enhance protections for vulnerable populations against discriminatory practices in healthcare.