THE LATE AWAKENING: CLINICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS OF AN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DIAGNOSIS IN ADULTHOOD

Authors

  • Marta Batista de Souza Neta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63330/sasciencesv6n2-064

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Camouflaging, Identity, Late Diagnosis, Mental Health

Abstract

The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been historically associated with childhood due to classic phenotypic and androcentric biases. However, a significant number of adults have only obtained confirmation of the condition later in life. This article analyzes the clinical, emotional, and psychosocial impacts resulting from the discovery of ASD in adulthood. Through an integrative literature review, the study examines the barriers that lead to early underdiagnosis, the phenomenon of social masking (camouflaging), and the trajectory of individuals who transitioned through life without proper support. The results indicate that the chronic use of compensatory strategies generates autistic burnout and sequential misdiagnoses. On the other hand, the late diagnostic revelation acts as a tool for identity validation and emancipation, allowing for a biographical reframing. It is concluded that diagnosis in adulthood is critical for mental health and demands the reshaping of public health and inclusion policies focused on adult neurodiversity.

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References

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Published

2026-07-13

How to Cite

de Souza Neta, M. B. . (2026). THE LATE AWAKENING: CLINICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS OF AN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DIAGNOSIS IN ADULTHOOD. South American Sciences, 6(2), e26285. https://doi.org/10.63330/sasciencesv6n2-064

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): South American Sciences

Section

Artigos

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