Relocating to Panama City with an Adult Son with Autism: Seeking Advice
Essential considerations for supporting autistic adult family members in your international transition.
Family transitions are challenging at the best of times, but when you're considering an international move with neurodivergent family members, the questions multiply.
Today, I'm sharing a reader's question about relocating to Panama City with her adult son who has “high-functioning” autism, along with my insights and questions for our community. I offer this perspective not as a clinician, but rather as someone who walks in two worlds - a parent navigating neurodiversity within my own family, and a professional who has developed transition planning programs and secured grants for a school serving students with autism.
The Reader's Question
Our adult son has "high-functioning" Autism. We are discussing relocating to PTY but are unsure about how he/we will navigate in terms of work, transportation, or available resources. Does anyone have experience with this?
This question touches on something many families face when considering international moves: how will specialized support systems transfer to a new country? For those considering Panama as a destination, this deserves careful consideration.
What I'd Like to Know More About
Before offering suggestions, I'd need to understand more about this family's specific situation. “High-functioning” is a broad label and can mean many things to many people. So before providing advice, I’d like to ask a few more questions about him and your specific situation:
Current Support and Independence Levels
The resources needed in Panama will largely depend on your son's current level of independence and what supports he currently uses. Consider:
What level of support does your son currently need in daily activities?
Is he currently employed, volunteering, or in educational programs?
What specific transition programs, employment training, or educational opportunities is he currently engaged with?
Does he have established routines that help him thrive, and how might these be affected by relocation?
Language and Communication
Panama is primarily Spanish-speaking, though English is widely spoken in business settings and tourist areas.
Does your son speak Spanish? If not, what is his aptitude for learning new languages?
How comfortable is he with navigating communication challenges in unfamiliar settings?
Are there communication tools or techniques that have helped him in new situations?
Legal and Visa Considerations
Work opportunities will be significantly affected by residency status.
What type of residency visa are you planning to obtain?
Will his visa status allow him to work legally in Panama?
Are you familiar with Panama's legal protections (or lack thereof) for people with disabilities?
Transportation and Mobility
Panama City has various transportation options, but they differ significantly from those in North America or Europe.
How does your son currently navigate transportation?
Would he be comfortable learning to use Panama City's Metro system (which is quite modern and relatively easy to navigate)?
Could he adapt to using buses, which can be more crowded and less predictable?
Is using rideshare services like Uber an option for him?
Would he need to navigate the city independently, or would family members typically accompany him?
Employment and Purpose
Having meaningful activities is crucial for everyone's well-being.
Will your son be working primarily for income, or is the goal more focused on skill development and social engagement?
Does he have specific employment skills that could transfer to Panama's job market?
If he has specialized interests or hobbies, could these be monetized in Panama? For example, if he's skilled in technology, could he teach coding classes online?
Would he benefit from volunteer opportunities as a way to integrate into the community?
It's important to note that the wage structure in Panama differs significantly from the United States, with substantially lower earnings for comparable positions. A part-time or even full-time job in Panama will typically generate much less income than in the US, which may affect your financial planning and expectations about potential employment outcomes.
Resources in Panama
From my research and conversations with expats in Panama, I can share some initial information, though I encourage community members with direct experience to elaborate:
Support Organizations: Panama has several organizations focused on autism and developmental disabilities, though services for adults may be more limited than those for children. Organizations like Fundación Soy Capaz and Fundación Valórate provide various services, though their focus tends to be on children.
Healthcare: Panama has quality healthcare in urban areas, but specialized mental health and developmental services may be more limited compared to what you might find in major U.S. or European cities. Consider exploring international health insurance options that might cover needed therapy services.
Community Support: The expat community in Panama is strong and can be an excellent resource. There are Facebook and WhatsApp groups specific to international / expat families in Panama that might provide more targeted information on resources for persons with special needs.
Employment Opportunities: Depending on skills and interests, opportunities might include:
Remote work for U.S. companies (if visa status allows)
Teaching English (if English is his first language)
Tourism-related activities
Tech or digital skills that could be offered as a freelancer on online platforms
Cultural Considerations: Panamanian culture generally emphasizes family support and can be warm and accommodating, but awareness and accommodation for autistic and neurodivergent individuals may differ from what you're accustomed to in your home country.
Be prepared for different norms around personal space - public areas tend to be more crowded, and people walk and interact much closer to each other than one might expect. Often, Panamanians play music, conduct phone calls, and watch videos on speaker in public spaces, which could be challenging for those with sensory sensitivities. Helping your loved one prepare for and adapt to these differences is key to a successful transition.
Questions for Our Substack Community
If you have experience with neurodivergent family members in Panama, I'd love to hear from you:
What resources have you found most helpful for adults with autism in Panama City?
How did you handle the transition period?
What unexpected challenges did you encounter?
What has worked better than expected?
Are there particular neighborhoods or communities that have been more accommodating?
What employment or volunteer opportunities have been positive experiences?
Final Thoughts
Relocating internationally with a family member with autism requires thoughtful planning, but it can absolutely be done successfully. The key is gathering specific information, connecting with local resources before arrival, and creating a transition plan that includes contingencies.
For the family that asked this question, I recommend reaching out directly to organizations in Panama before making final decisions, and if possible, planning an extended visit (2-4 weeks) to test how your son responds to the environment before committing to a permanent move.
For a more comprehensive framework to guide your decision-making process, I've created a free downloadable resource: "Essential Questions for Moving Abroad with Autistic Kids." This PDF walks through crucial considerations from healthcare and education to social supports and legal protections. You can download it using the button below this article.
Panama offers many wonderful opportunities and a generally relaxed lifestyle that many find beneficial, but like any international move, the transition requires research and preparation, especially when supporting neurodivergent family members.
Do you have experience with autism support in Panama? Please share your insights in the comments. Your firsthand knowledge could be invaluable to families considering this transition.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is based on personal research and community insights. Support services and legal protections for individuals with disabilities vary widely and change frequently. Please consult with medical professionals, legal advisors, and disability support organizations specific to Panama for the most current and appropriate guidance for your situation.
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This is an excellent article, and these questions are generally applicable to any move - thank you! I serve families including members on the spectrum, and I find this advice to be timely, relevant, and wise. Do you mind if I link to your article in our weekly newsletter for Conscientious Emigrants?