CIIR highlights care for autistic children on National Allergy Prevention Day
In Belém, specialized care at the Center reinforces the importance of early identification of disease signs and the adoption of treatment
On this Wednesday, May 7, Brazil celebrates National Allergy Prevention Day, a date that reinforces the need for awareness about allergic health care, especially for more sensitive populations, such as children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
In Belém, the Integrated Center for Inclusion and Rehabilitation (CIIR), a reference in multidisciplinary care for people with physical, visual, auditory, and intellectual disabilities, highlights the importance of early identification of allergy signs in this group and the adoption of preventive measures that respect their sensory and behavioral particularities.
The pediatric allergist at CIIR, Natasha Roffé, explains that children with ASD are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop allergies than neurotypical children. The most common are respiratory (asthma and rhinitis), skin (such as atopic dermatitis), and food allergies. “This greater predisposition may be linked to genetic, immunological factors, and even changes in gut microbiota, which influence the immune system and neurological development.”
Doctors also observe that allergic symptoms, in addition to physical discomfort, can intensify behaviors related to ASD. Irritability, aggressiveness, sleep disturbances, and food refusal are some of the manifestations that may be associated with undiagnosed allergies. “Persistent itching, abdominal pain after meals, skin rashes, runny nose, or cough in dusty, moldy, or pet-filled environments are signs that deserve caregivers' attention,” advises Natasha Roffé.
The diagnostic strategy at CIIR is carefully adapted for the pediatric audience with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The process includes a detailed medical history and examinations only when truly necessary, respecting the sensory particularities of the children. Prevention also follows broad guidelines, such as avoiding early exposure to allergens, keeping environments clean, and introducing foods gradually and appropriately.
Impact – The importance of specialized care is highlighted by Geicimar Caldas, mother of Jhonatan, 9 years old, diagnosed with ASD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The family traveled 16 hours from Portel, on Marajó Island, to Belém for their son's first appointment with the allergist at CIIR.
“Jhonatan has been followed here since he was three years old. It has been six years of hope and small achievements, such as following simple commands at home. Now, with access to the allergist, we have another essential support that does not exist in our municipality. Having this free support, with qualified professionals, makes all the difference for us, atypical families,” reported mother Geicimar Caldas.
Care – In just the first three months of 2025 (January to March), CIIR performed 255 pediatric allergy consultations. Throughout 2024, there were 1,285 consultations, highlighting the growing demand for this specialized care among children with ASD.
On this National Allergy Prevention Day, CIIR reinforces its commitment to the integral health and quality of life of autistic children. The multidisciplinary team at the unit is prepared to guide families and support the diagnostic and treatment process, always focusing on the individuality of each patient.
Structure – CIIR is a reference in Pará for medium and high complexity assistance to people with disabilities (PWD) visual, physical, auditory, and intellectual. Users can access the Center's services through referrals from health units, welcomed by the Regulation Center of each municipality, which in turn forwards to State Regulation. The request is analyzed according to the user's profile by the State Regulation System (SRE).
Service:
The Integrated Center for Inclusion and Rehabilitation is an agency of the Government of Pará managed by the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa). The Center operates on Arthur Bernardes highway, No. 1,000, in Belém. More information: (91) 4042-2157 /58 /59.
Text by Tarcísio Barbosa / Ascom CIIR
