OBJECTIVES: To describe the treatment patterns among patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the perspective of Brazilian public healthcare system.

METHODS: We extracted data from Ambulatory Information System (SIA/DATASUS) database of patients diagnosed with ASD (ICD-10 F84) who initiated treatment with risperidone for managing of self-injurious behavior and aggression, according to Brazilian Ministry of Health guidelines. After data extraction, cleaning and record linkage, we performed a descriptive treatment patterns analysis with risperidone among different regions and states from 2016 – 2019.

RESULTS: Data of 14,343 patients (13 ± 9 years old, 79% men) were analyzed. In 2016, there were 1,254 ASD patients being treated, this number increased to 11,422 in 2019, with an annual growth of 115% in the number of patients. The Northeast, Central West and South regions had the highest percentage of positive change in the number of patients, with values equal to 2,264.6, 1,043.8 and 851.5, respectively. The states of São Paulo and Paraná together were responsible for almost half (48.2%) the ASD patients treated at SUS in 2019. Oral formulations of risperidone 1-mg tablet and 1-mg/ml oral solution were the frequently used, accounting 64.8% and 72.7% of the patients in 2016 and 2019, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: This real world study showed an expressive increase in risperidone use among ASD patients treated in the Brazilian public healthcare system and that it varied substantially across brazilian regions and states. Continued monitoring of the ASD treatment is necessary to promove the acess and rational use of drugs in this population.