Autism in Adult Life: Assessment and Intervention in Panama

At the Integral Center for Educational Neuropsychology, we firmly believe in the innate potential of the human brain and the importance of supporting each person on their journey to well-being and human development. Although Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is often diagnosed in childhood, its impact and needs extend throughout life, presenting unique challenges and opportunities in adulthood. In this article, we will delve into some challenges, assessment methods, and intervention opportunities for the adult population who are already diagnosed or are seeking a diagnosis.

The Challenge of Late Diagnosis in Adulthood

Traditionally, most ASD diagnoses have focused on the child population. However, there is now greater awareness and literacy regarding mental health issues, making it increasingly common for a growing number of adults to seek specialized services for specific autism evaluation.

Some factors that influence the increasing number of adults seeking autism evaluations include the following:

Neuropsychological Assessment of Autism in Adults

The assessment in adulthood seeks to understand the complete neurocognitive and functional profile of the person, beyond the diagnostic label.

Our multidisciplinary approach, respectful of each person's individuality, allows us to use standardized tools adapted to the cultural context, aiming to provide explanations related to each person's strengths and areas for improvement.

Some mental health assessment methods and techniques used for evaluating autism in adults include:

Foundations Providing Assistance to Adults Diagnosed with Autism

At the foundation level, we have in Panama:

  • ✅ Fundación Soy Capaz: A foundation that aims to promote the independence of young adults with autism. It also seeks to support families and raise awareness in society so that this population group can be integrated into society, promoting their productivity and contribution of skills for the benefit of the country.

Neuropsychological Intervention for Adults with ASD

Treatment in adulthood focuses on enhancing individual strengths and developing compensatory strategies for areas of challenge, aiming to improve quality of life and autonomy. Interventions may include:

If you or a loved one is seeking support in the evaluation or intervention of autism in adulthood, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can write to us at +507 6535-6362 and we will be happy to respond to your needs.