Discapacidad intelectual en la adultez: Autonomía, retos y bienestar | Dra. Sofía Vélez

In this edition, we are joined by Dr. Sofía Vélez, a counseling psychologist in Puerto Rico with extensive experience in therapeutic intervention and psychoeducational work, to discuss an urgent and necessary topic: the development, autonomy, and well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities. When their school years end, many families face a huge void due to the scarcity of structured resources and continuity services for this population. In this program, we analyze the socioeconomic realities they face, the emotional impact on both the participants and their caregivers, and the urgent need to reverse the infantilization of these adults by promoting true community inclusion. In this episode, you will learn: The void in the transition to adulthood: Why scientific literature indicates that this process should begin preventively at age 14 and what the real challenges are upon finishing school. Invisibility and infantilization: The harsh reality of adults with disabilities who are left unprotected by the system, losing opportunities to forge their own goals and make decisions. The extreme burden on caregivers: The psychological and economic impact on families, particularly on mothers, who often leave their jobs and face loneliness, isolation, and emotional exhaustion. A strengths-based approach: How development doesn't stop after school and the importance of exposing adults to functional skills instead of assuming they lack the ability. Balancing overprotection and over-demands: Tools for managing parenting without guilt, avoiding social "oh my goodness," and empowering adults within their everyday capabilities. Social skills and emotional management: Strategies for bidirectional co-regulation between caregiver and adult to cope with moments of frustration or crisis in a healthy way. Three intervention modalities: Details of Dr. Vélez's pilot program, focused on individual and group services, and an essential home-based modality for families with mobility issues. True inclusion and quality of life are not just the family's responsibility, but a shared responsibility among the State, the community, and citizens. Join us in raising awareness about this cause and rethinking our social role! 🔔 Subscribe to the MAR Educados channel, like the video, and share this content to help us get this message to those who need it most! 💬 We want to hear from you: Do you know any families struggling with the lack of services for an adult with an intellectual disability? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments. 🌐 Connect with Mar Educados Join our community and access more neuroscience and holistic wellness tools. Contact and Social Media 🌐 Website: www.mareducados.org 📸 Instagram: @mar_educados 📱 TikTok: mareducados__ 🔵 Facebook/LinkedIn: Mar Educados For more information, you can contact us through: 📧 Email: [email protected]