The Ministry of Health of Peru announced on Apr. 2 its commitment to improving early detection, access to health services, and comprehensive care for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout all stages of life.
This announcement coincides with World Autism Awareness Day. The ministry, through its Mental Health Directorate, is conducting awareness activities nationwide such as workshops, educational talks, games, and group activities at community mental health centers. These initiatives aim to promote understanding, respect, and inclusion for people with ASD within the community.
According to the ministry’s data for 2025, there were 96,512 cases of ASD attended in health facilities across the country. Of these cases, 79.3 percent involved children; however, services also reached adolescents, young adults, adults and older adults to ensure continuous support at every stage of life.
“Early detection is key to supporting development and quality of life for people with autism. Identifying signs in time allows interventions that accompany the person and their family from the earliest years,” said July Caballero Peralta, director of the Mental Health Directorate at the Ministry of Health.
Health establishments across Peru play a fundamental role in monitoring child development and identifying warning signs through Growth and Development Control (CRED) services. As part of this effort, Minsa has incorporated the M-CHAT-R tool into pediatric care and is progressively implementing a Caregiver Skills Training Program (CST) in community mental health centers aimed at families with children aged two to nine years old.
Currently there are 305 community mental health centers nationwide where interdisciplinary teams provide specialized care plans involving families and communities. These services are coordinated with hospitals and specialized institutes to guarantee continuity of care as well as access to therapeutic interventions throughout each person’s lifetime.
The Ministry says it will continue promoting inclusion along with respect for rights and access to quality healthcare for people living with ASD.
