AUTISM AND MENTAL HEALTH: REPERCUSSIONS OF LATE DIAGNOSIS ON PSYCHOSOCIAL OUTCOMES, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE CARE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/levv17n61-041Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Late Diagnosis, Mental Health, Quality of Life, AutismAbstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that may remain unidentified until adolescence or adulthood, leading to significant repercussions for mental health, quality of life, and access to comprehensive care. This study aimed to analyze the repercussions of late ASD diagnosis on psychosocial outcomes, quality of life, and access to healthcare services. An integrative literature review was conducted using the databases Diadorim, PubMed, Latindex, Scopus, and OJS repositories. Articles published between 2022 and 2026 in Portuguese and English that addressed late autism diagnosis and its impacts on adolescents and adults were included. The analysis revealed that delayed diagnosis is associated with increased psychological distress, higher prevalence of anxiety and depression, difficulties in social interaction, and barriers to obtaining specialized support. Challenges related to social camouflaging and psychiatric comorbidities were also identified as factors contributing to delayed recognition of the disorder. It is concluded that late ASD diagnosis has substantial impacts on individuals’ lives, highlighting the need for strategies that promote early identification and comprehensive care.
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