Country profile: intellectual disability in Brazil

The purpose of this paper is to provide a contextual overview of learning disability (LD) in Brazil.

The paper uses an historical approach, providing a critical appraisal of the key theories and treatment of people with LD from the sixteenth century to the present.

Brazil has experienced a different historical trajectory in terms of treatment and practice for people with LD compared to Europe, the UK and the USA.

Brazil is one of the most rapidly developing, globally important countries with an emerging major economy. There are opportunities now for people with LD to be included in their country’s development, yet their needs should be highlighted.