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

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soheil Mahdi ◽  
Marisa Viljoen ◽  
Tamara Yee ◽  
Melissa Selb ◽  
Nidhi Singhal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Disability And Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

scholarly journals Functional gender differences in autism: An international, multidisciplinary expert survey using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136236132097531
Author(s):  
Karl Lundin ◽  
Soheil Mahdi ◽  
Johan Isaksson ◽  
Sven Bölte
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
High Income ◽  
International Classification ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Disability And Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Few studies have addressed gender differences in autism in relation to functioning and across cultures. We aimed to explore functional gender differences in autism from a multidisciplinary, global perspective using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Perceptions among professionals in high-income countries and middle-income countries were examined based on qualitative survey data from N = 225 professionals. Of these, n = 131 professionals provided information on functional gender differences in autism. Thirty-two professionals reported perceiving no gender differences. Remaining respondents ( n = 99)—representing 31 countries, all World Health Organization regions, and 10 different professions—were included in a content analysis on functional gender differences, which generated three main categories and 13 subcategories. The subcategories were subsequently linked to International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories. Autistic males were described as displaying more externalizing behaviors, and females as having more internalizing problems and being more socially motivated. Thirty-two International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories were identified, of which 31 were covered by the comprehensive Core Set for autism. Gender differences in core symptoms and co-existing problems were acknowledged by professionals from both high-income countries and middle-income countries, while differences in social behaviors, including camouflaging, were more frequently described by experts from high-income countries. Lay abstract In this study, we explored if professionals working with autistic people in different regions of the world perceive differences between females and males diagnosed with the condition. A total of 131 professionals responded to a survey that included an open question about gender differences in autism. Of these, 32 responded that they do not perceive gender differences in autism. The information provided by the other 99 experts was analyzed to identify common patterns. Three main differences were found, (1) Matching the clinical conceptualization of autism where professionals described differences in core symptoms of autism, and that autistic females were less similar to the conceptualization of autism. In (2) Co-existing problems, professionals described that autistic males display more apparent problems including hyperactivity, while autistic females were perceived as having more internalizing issues such as anxiety and eating disorders. In the last category, (3) Navigating the social environment, experts perceived autistic females as more socially motivated, and more inclined to camouflage social difficulties, making their challenges less evident. Professionals also perceived differences in the social environment, for example, that autistic girls receive more support from their peers while autistic boys are more often bullied. Our results suggest that professionals working in different parts of the world acknowledge gender differences in autism, but also that there might be some regional differences. Finally, we found that gender differences reported by the international professionals could largely be assessed with a shortened version of the International Classification of Functioning by the World Health Organization, specifically developed for autism.

Neurorehabilitation

2021 ◽  
pp. 440-444
Author(s):  
Billie A. Schultz
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Medical Specialty ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Congenital Disorders ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Physical medicine and rehabilitation—physiatry—is the medical specialty focusing on the restoration of functional status of patients with musculoskeletal, nervous system, or congenital disorders. The World Health Organization defined disability and created the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. With this classification, a physiatrist addresses the 3 domains of disability: impairment, activity limitation, and restricted participation.

scholarly journals Parents’ Assessments of Disability in Their Children Using World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, Child and Youth Version Joined Body Functions and Activity Codes Related to Everyday Life

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 117955651771503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels Ove Illum ◽  
Kim Oren Gradel
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
Muscular Atrophy ◽  
International Classification ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Disability And Health ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Health Organization

Aim: To help parents assess disability in their own children using World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, Child and Youth Version (ICF-CY) code qualifier scoring and to assess the validity and reliability of the data sets obtained. Method: Parents of 162 children with spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular disorders, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental disability, or disability following brain tumours performed scoring for 26 body functions qualifiers (b codes) and activities and participation qualifiers (d codes). Scoring was repeated after 6 months. Psychometric and Rasch data analysis was undertaken. Results: The initial and repeated data had Cronbach α of 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. Inter-code correlation was 0.54 (range: 0.23-0.91) and 0.76 (range: 0.20-0.92). The corrected code-total correlations were 0.72 (range: 0.49-0.83) and 0.75 (range: 0.50-0.87). When repeated, the ICF-CY code qualifier scoring showed a correlation R of 0.90. Rasch analysis of the selected ICF-CY code data demonstrated a mean measure of 0.00 and 0.00, respectively. Code qualifier infit mean square (MNSQ) had a mean of 1.01 and 1.00. The mean corresponding outfit MNSQ was 1.05 and 1.01. The ICF-CY code τ thresholds and category measures were continuous when assessed and reassessed by parents. Participating children had a mean of 56 codes scores (range: 26-130) before and a mean of 55.9 scores (range: 25-125) after repeat. Corresponding measures were −1.10 (range: −5.31 to 5.25) and −1.11 (range: −5.42 to 5.36), respectively. Based on measures obtained at the 2 occasions, the correlation coefficient R was 0.84. The child code map showed coherence of ICF-CY codes at each level. There was continuity in covering the range across disabilities. And, first and foremost, the distribution of codes reflexed a true continuity in disability with codes for motor functions activated first, then codes for cognitive functions, and, finally, codes for more complex functions. Conclusions: Parents can assess their own children in a valid and reliable way, and if the WHO ICF-CY second-level code data set is functioning in a clinically sound way, it can be employed as a tool for identifying the severity of disabilities and for monitoring changes in those disabilities over time. The ICF-CY codes selected in this study might be one cornerstone in forming a national or even international generic set of ICF-CY codes for the benefit of children with disabilities, their parents, and caregivers and for the whole community supporting with children with disabilities on a daily and perpetual basis.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document