AMA Itajaí

What AMA Itajaí does

AMA Itajaí (Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Autistas de Itajaí) is a Brazilian nonprofit civil society organization founded on March 23, 2017, in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, that delivers free multidisciplinary services to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (TEA) and their families. The service portfolio spans therapeutic care (psychology, psychopedagogy, therapeutic support, physical education), credentialing assistance (CIPTEA national ID, AMA ID municipal card, AMA MOBILA parking credential), family support groups (Cuidando de quem Cuida), adult social-inclusion groups (TEA 14+), the AMA Carreiras professional-inclusion program, and cultural workshops delivered in partnership with Fundação Cultural de Itajaí (Aqui tem Arte). All services are provided free of charge from a single headquarters at Rua Alberto Werner, 668 in Itajaí, with no proprietary technology platform — operations rely on WhatsApp, email, phone, the organization's website, and in-person delivery rather than a product architecture.

The business model is a donation- and grant-funded nonprofit. Revenue is generated through four streams: individual and corporate donations (including PIX instant payments and the 'Troco Solidário' round-up program at nine local businesses), government grants via Termos de Colaboração and Termos de Fomento with the Municipal Government of Itajaí and Santa Catarina state bodies (channeled through FIA, FCEE, and parliamentary amendments), recurring fundraising events (Carreteiro Solidário in its 7th edition in 2025, Pedágio Solidário, online bazars, solidarity cafés), and merchandise sales. As of September 2025, AMA Itajaí serves 265 families monthly through 304 service slots across FIA, FCEE, and AMA Carreiras, while over 800 families are associated with the organization and an estimated 180 children and adolescents remain on the waiting list. The reported parent-satisfaction metric is 97%.

AMA Itajaí operates within a regulated ecosystem: it holds CEBAS certification, state and municipal Public Utility status, and registrations with CMDCA and CMAS, and it complies with LGPD, Lei Lucas, and the broader Brazilian disability-inclusion legal framework. Strategic partners include FCEE (state-level, slots grew from 57 in 2022 to 104+ in 2025), the Municipal Government of Itajaí (the primary funding counterparty), Univali (academic and cultural collaboration), and Fundação Cultural de Itajaí (cultural workshops). The organization is governed by a board led by President Daniela Cristina Rosa da Silva, with a multidisciplinary operational team of approximately 13 named professionals (exact total not disclosed). Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

AMA Itajaí

Legal name

Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Autistas de Itajaí

Website

https://amaitajai.org.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

AMA Itajaí is a Brazilian nonprofit founded in 2017 that provides free multidisciplinary therapeutic care, credentialing assistance, professional inclusion, and family support to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, serving 265 families monthly across 304 service slots.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability and Autism Social Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (624110), Educational Support Services (611710), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI), Assistive Technology & AAC for Young Children (EDACAFAL), Assistive Technology (AT) Access & AAC Access Support (OT-Led) (EDAKAFAG)

Keywords

• Autism support services
• Disability social services
• Special education programs
• Therapeutic intervention services
• Family caregiver support

Headquarters

HQ city

Itajaí

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual and Corporate Donations: The organization relies heavily on donations from individuals, families, and corporate partners. PIX (instant payment) donations are accepted, facilitated through the website. Corporate donors contribute financially, with some (e.g., Grupo Pereira) converting event budgets (e.g., fireworks) into donations. A 'Troco Solidário' (round-up) program collects change from customers at partner commercial establishments.
2. Government Grants and Term Collaboration Agreements: AMA Itajaí receives public funding through term collaboration agreements (Termos de Colaboração - TC) and term funding agreements (Termos de Fomento - TF) with municipal and state government bodies. Documents on the Transparency page reference multiple active TCs and TFs with the Municipal Government of Itajaí, including agreements through the FIA (Fundo da Infância e Adolescência) and other public funds. The FCEE also provides dedicated funding for service slots.
3. Fundraising Events: Revenue generated through organized events such as the Carreteiro Solidário (beneficial meal fundraiser), Bazar Online, bazaars, cultural events, and solidarity café initiatives. The 7th Carreteiro Solidário 2025 was specifically aimed at maintaining free services for 265 families monthly.
4. Social Media and Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including campaign t-shirts (adult and child sizes), autism symbol pins, car stickers, books, CDs, and surprise-numbered soccer cleats through online bazaars on Facebook and Instagram. Combos sold at R$30, R$40, R$50, or R$75.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

AMA Itajaí is a nonprofit civil society organization that provides free multidisciplinary therapeutic, advocacy, and inclusion services for children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (TEA) and their families in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The organization delivers psychology, psychopedagogy, therapeutic support, credential assistance (CIPTEA, AMA ID, parking credentials), professional inclusion, cultural workshops, and caregiver support groups. All services are funded through donations, government grants (FIA, FCEE), and fundraising events rather than fees charged to beneficiaries.

Product overview

AMA Itajaí is a non-profit social services organization that operates as a unified service portfolio rather than a platform architecture. The organization provides multidisciplinary care services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (TEA) and their families through multiple interconnected programs: direct therapeutic and support services (Atendimentos e Serviços Multidisciplinares), identification and documentation support (CIPTEA, AMA ID, AMA MOBILA parking credentials), family strengthening programs (Cuidando de quem Cuida, Grupos de Convivência), professional inclusion (Transformando Carreiras/AMA Carreiras), and cultural/artistic enrichment (Programa Aqui tem Arte). These services are complemented by annual fundraising initiatives including the Carreteiro Solidário and Pedágio Solidário. All services are provided free of charge, funded through a combination of government partnerships (FIA, FCEE), parliamentary amendments, and community donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Atendimentos e Serviços Multidisciplinares Free multidisciplinary therapeutic and support services for children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (TEA), delivered by a team of psychologists, psychopedagogues, therapeutic attendants, and physical education teachers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Parent satisfaction rate of 97% reported by the organization
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and moderate.

• Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (Univali)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025AMA Itajaí maintains an active partnership with Univali for educational and professional orientation activities. The OPA (Opção Profissional por Área) program at Univali welcomed teenagers from the AMA's TEA 14+ group for a pedagogical outing. Univali also hosted a collective art exhibition benefiting AMA Itajaí in August 2021, and the institution's Vice-Rector's Office for Extension and Community Affairs collaborates with AMA on cultural and artistic programs.
• Fundação Cultural de ItajaícoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025AMA Itajaí partners with the Fundação Cultural de Itajaí to integrate the 'Aqui tem Arte' program, which delivers free cultural and artistic workshops (drawing, music, and others) at the AMA headquarters. The program leverages the foundation's cultural expertise and AMA's community space to promote inclusion through art.
• Ministério Público do Trabalho de Santa Catarina (MPT-SC)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025MPT-SC supported the Semana Inclusiva (Inclusive Week), an event focused on the employability of people with disabilities and autism. AMA Itajaí participated in the event and expressed gratitude for MPT-SC's support in promoting inclusion in the labor market.
• Secretaria Municipal de Assistência Social de ItajaícoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024AMA Itajaí works closely with the Municipal Secretary of Social Assistance to deliver social protection services for people with TEA. This includes collaboration on the AMA ID (Municipal Autism ID card) program, referrals through the social assistance system (SUAS), and co-implementation of protection programs aligned with the National Social Assistance Policy (PNAS).
• Lions Clube Itajaí Verde Vale and Lions Clube Itajaí AliançamoderateStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023The Lions Clubs of Itajaí partnered with AMA to organize the 'Tarde Cultural' event, which showcased the talents of autistic adults from the 'Nada Sobre Nós Sem Nós' group. Lions Clubs provided organizational support and sponsorship for the cultural event at the Lions Clube Itajaí venue.
• Escolinha de Futebol Americano Almirantes / Clube Náutico Almirante BarrosomoderateStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021The Almirantes American Football School and the Almirante Barroso Nautical Club partnered with AMA Itajaí to offer 10 exclusive slots in the club's youth sports program for AMA-associated children and adolescents aged 12 and above. Trainings take place weekly at the club's field in Centro, Itajaí.
• Sandri Palace HotéisminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Sandri Palace Hotéis hosted a solidarity colonial café event, with a portion of the proceeds donated to AMA Itajaí. Approximately 200 people attended, and the event also featured the launch of AMA's 2020/2021 campaign t-shirts.
• Café Maestro ProduçõesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Café Maestro Produções co-organized the 'I Festival Plural no Singular' with AMA Itajaí, an event held under Itajaí's Culture Incentive Law. The festival combined expert panels on autism with performances by artists with TEA and supporting artists.
• Fundação Catarinense de Educação Especial (FCEE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019FCEE provides dedicated service slots and funding for AMA Itajaí's operations. Service slots through FCEE have grown from 57 (2022) to 104 (2025). FCEE also developed the FCEE Digital application used for CIPTEA (national autism ID card) issuance, which AMA assists families with. FCEE also sends physical CIPTEA cards to AMA for distribution to families.
• Grupo Pereira (Supermercado Comper)moderateGTM or Marketing PartnerGrupo Pereira, owner of Comper supermarkets, donated to AMA Itajaí the funds that would have been spent on fireworks at the inauguration of the Comper Cordeiros store. This decision was made to respect autistic individuals who may be harmed by loud noises. The donation was made to support AMA's mission.
• Nine Partner Commercial Establishments in Itajaí (Troco Solidário)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAMA Itajaí partnered with nine commercial establishments in Itajaí for the 'Troco Solidário' (round-up donation) program. Each participating store displays a branded collection box, and customers can donate their change. Proceeds are earmarked for the construction of AMA's own headquarters building (Projeto Tijolinho AMA).
• Prefeitura Municipal de Itajaí / Secretaria de Promoção da CidadaniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Municipal Government of Itajaí is the primary government partner, providing funding through multiple Termos de Colaboração (TC) and Termos de Fomento (TF) agreements. The municipality also grants AMA operational permits (Alvará) and recognizes the organization as a public utility. The City Council (Câmara de Vereadores) has engaged with AMA for presentations and the annual Carreteiro Solidário.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AMA São Paulo (Associação de Amigos do Autista): AMA São Paulo is one of the largest autism-focused parent associations in Brazil, providing multidisciplinary care, education, and advocacy for people with ASD. It is the most direct comparable to AMA Itajaí in governance structure (parent-led association), service portfolio, and mission, though it operates at much larger metropolitan scale.
• ABRA (Associação Brasileira de Autismo): ABRA is a national Brazilian autism advocacy and support association that delivers services, advocacy, and family support for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is directly comparable to AMA Itajaí in mission, family-based governance, and service portfolio, though it operates at the national level rather than city level.
• Escola de Autistas de São Paulo (CEPRE): CEPRE is one of the oldest Brazilian autism-specific schools, providing specialized education and therapeutic services for students with autism. It is comparable to AMA Itajaí in its specialist autism focus and multidisciplinary model, but operates primarily as a formal school rather than a community-based family support center.

Broad incumbents

• APAE Brasil (Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais): APAE is the largest disability-focused nonprofit network in Brazil, providing multidisciplinary services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. It is comparable to AMA Itajaí as a civil society organization offering free therapeutic and educational services, but operates at national scale across 2,000+ units rather than a single city.
• Instituto Jô Clemente: Instituto Jô Clemente is a Brazilian civil society organization focused on disability, social inclusion, and health diagnostics, including support for people with autism. Comparable to AMA Itajaí in offering free services, family support, and credentialing assistance, but operates at state/multiple-region scale with a broader disability mandate.
• AACD (Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente): AACD is a major São Paulo-based nonprofit providing rehabilitation and therapeutic services for children and adults with disabilities, including autism. It is comparable to AMA Itajaí in offering multidisciplinary therapy, family support, and credentialing assistance, but operates multiple specialized centers and has significantly larger scale and infrastructure.

Emerging players

• Autismo & Realidade: Autismo & Realidade is a Brazilian nonprofit focused on advocacy, professional inclusion, and family support for people with autism. It is comparable to AMA Itajaí in its emphasis on professional inclusion and family-centered services, but operates primarily through content, advocacy, and corporate partnerships rather than in-person therapeutic services.

Regional players

• Instituto Mara Gabrilli: Instituto Mara Gabrilli is a Brazilian disability and autism nonprofit focused on rights advocacy, accessibility, and inclusion. While it shares the family-driven, advocacy-forward DNA of AMA Itajaí, it is primarily a São Paulo-based advocacy organization rather than a direct service provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/amaitajai
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ama-itaja%C3%AD

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AMA Itajaí