Identification of core functioning features for assessment and intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
OBJECTIVE
Framed within a biopsychosocial approach, this study aimed to identify the main functionality dimensions that experts in the field of child development and child psychopathology considered as essential in the assessment-intervention process with young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), using the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health for Children and Youth.


METHODS
The Delphi method was used to obtain consensus among experts regarding the essential functionality features for the rehabilitation of young children with ASD. Therefore, web-based three-round survey was developed.


RESULTS
There are more functionality features identified as more essential for the age group 3-6 than from the group birth-2 years of age. 49.4% of activities and participation dimensions were regarded as essential by experts, while only 13.9% of body functions were selected. 39.9% of environmental factors were also marked by experts as essential.


CONCLUSIONS
Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) are classified in diagnostic manuals-DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10. These classifications are valuable to detect signs/symptoms of health conditions; however, they are often not sufficient to develop individualized interventions. More functional information is needed to complement diagnostic data. The identified functionality dimensions of the ICF-CY complement diagnosis by differentiating relevant functioning aspects in all life domains, according to the biopsychosocial model and should always be addressed in the process of rehabilitation of young children with ASD.
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal. susanacastro161@gmail.com
Susana
S
Castro
Ana Isabel
AI
Pinto
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003697:Delphi Technique; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D018570:Risk Assessment; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires