The CHEGA Parliamentary Group in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira has submitted a Draft Resolution aiming to adopt urgent measures for the enhancement, retention, and specialization of human resources in supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The parliamentary initiative highlights that current public contributions cover only basic operational costs, leaving social institutions unable to compete with public sector or private activity salary scales. This leads to a shortage of therapists and psychologists, resulting in long waiting lists and the loss of crucial early intervention opportunities.
Madeira's CHEGA parliamentary leader, Hugo Nunes, stated, "We cannot continue to watch the daily ordeal of parents and caregivers with folded arms." He argues that the system must be strengthened so families do not bear the burden of physical, psychological, and financial exhaustion alone.
The bill recommends establishing a regional support program for families, introducing a regional supplement for technical staff retention, implementing a continuous training and specialization plan, creating mobility schemes for technicians, and transitioning to multi-year program contracts to ensure budgetary predictability and job stability.
