Impactos ocupacionais em adultos com espectro autista diagnosticados tardiamente

Abstract

Late diagnosis and the lack of specific professional support for adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder trigger important obstacles, including challenges in identity construction, difficulties in professional life, studies and social interaction. Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the occupational impacts on adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosed late in life.. Method: This study is characterized as an exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, carried out in Whatsapp and Telegram groups. The sample consisted of 102 participants. The instruments used for this purpose were: the Participant Profile Questionnaire (designed for this study), the Occupational Role Identification List (Cordeiro, 2007) and the Occupational Functioning Self-Assessment Scale (Tedesco, 2009). A descriptive and correlational analysis of the material was carried out using the statistical program SPSS, version 29.0. Results: The results showed that the majority of individuals receiving a late diagnosis were female and at support level 1. The greatest impacts on occupations, according to the study, concern the organization of time and maintaining a healthy balance in the roles played, of which the most valued by the research participants are those of student and worker. Conclusion: Occupational balance is defined as the idea that we should have a set of occupations associated with work, rest and leisure, which must be balanced in order to have a healthy life experience. Thus, the research shows that late diagnosis has a negative impact on the individual's life, as it leads to cognitive impairment and changes and adjustments in their life and that of their family members. However, there is a need for more studies aimed at adults, adopting a holistic view of the individual as a biopsychosocial being, as well as the creation of specific and/or standardized tests that can provide greater diagnostic accuracy.