Practical Model of Neuropsychological Intervention for the Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study

In this chapter, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is discussed as also presented possibilities of neuropsychological intervention for this clinical condition. The profile of ASD is heterogeneous, varying among people. The cognitive profile, especially intelligence, and language, influences the severity of symptoms. A neuropsychological intervention protocol is designed for a 9-year-old child with ASD. Initial therapeutic targets identified include emotion recognition, comprehension of others’ mental states, and social skills. The chapter explores the use of Baron-Cohen’s empathy-systematization model, which emphasizes the importance of creating explicit rules to teach what is difficult to learn implicitly to ASD people. Neuropsychological intervention, combined with applied behavior analysis, was adapted to the individual needs of this child and his family. Strategies such as social skills training, the use of visual materials, games, and parental guidance were employed. All neuropsychological interventions must adopt an ecological approach and also consider the context of the child. Through this case study, the chapter provides insights and guidelines for neuropsychological interventions in ASD, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches and consideration of the social and family context to promote the functionality and positive development of children with ASD.