An international qualitative study of functioning in autism spectrum disorder using the World Health Organization international classification of functioning, disability and health framework.

Of 102 eligible participants contacted, 90 completed the discussions or interviews. Children, adolescents and intellectually disabled autistic individuals were underrepresented, and some stakeholder groups were missing in certain countries. The Western Pacific region was not included, and only North America was represented from the Americas. Translation into English made some cultural expressions difficult or impossible to capture exactly. The counts of categories show consistency across groups, not how common or important each category is. The study describes themes and classification concepts; it does not test whether an intervention improves functioning.

Several authors declared no conflict of interest related to this work. Petrus J de Vries reports multiple Novartis-related roles, including advisory and scientific board work. Sven Bölte reports no direct conflict but has acted as an author, consultant or lecturer for companies and receives royalties.

Do not read the identified ICF categories or strengths as proof that any treatment works. This study described what participants said and how concepts linked to ICF categories. It did not test interventions.