A more holistic approach to autism using the International Classification of Functioning: The why, what, and how of functioning.

The article calls for the implementation of a more holistic approach to autism using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). It identifies ways in which the ICF framework is ideal for application to holistic autism research and practice including biophysical model and use of accessible language. It discusses benefits of assessment of functioning using the ICF to complement autism diagnosis and barriers to ICF implementation.