Psychological assessment: from clinical interview to diagnostic report writing in an integrated Gestalt perspective

Abstract

We present a clear and defined intervention procedure of the work of the psychotherapist and other helpers, with autistic and intellectual disabilities in adulthood or at the end of the school path, with the aim of acquiring autonomy and facilitating social inclusion, reducing isolation, stigmatization and marginality experienced by these subjects and their families. In integrative practice, it is fundamental to keep in mind the cycle of contact, which is divided into macro-cycle, with reference to long-term and micro-cycle therapeutic intervention, with reference to individual therapy meetings. The macro cycle of contact, considering the levels of experience and the contact functions, allows to structure the therapeutic intervention and inclusion of the disabled person according to his needs, capabilities and potential, and provides for a moment of observation and collection data, the gradual introduction of learning activities to achieve specific objectives; finally, the evaluation and preparation for the evolution of the therapeutic path based on the needs of the subject and age, with reference to the objectives achieved and future ones. The synergistic cooperation of the psychotherapist and of various professional figures, indispensable for the intervention, will be crucial to accompany the subject and his family in the path of social insertion and in the acquisition of autonomy for daily life. This procedure will find maximum expression and validity if conducted in a small group, with the aim of facilitating the autistic and intellectual disability subject in the relationship and cooperation with peers.