Innovations of the ICD-11 in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A psychological approach

Background: This article aims to explain and elaborate upon the recently released ICD-11 criteria for ASD, which endorse a medical model. Method: We integrate insights from several disciplines (e.g., psychology, linguistics, sociology and lived experiences) to reflect the scientific and ethical insights derived from the biopsychosocial, neurodiversity perspective on autism. Results: First, we describe the core domains of ASD’s behavioural characteristics and then the lifetime, developmental perspective on the manifestations of these behaviours. Subsequently, we discuss related behaviours (i.e., associated features/conditions) and consider some similarities and differences with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM 5, American Psychological Association, 2013). Conclusions: Finally, we make some recommendations for clinical application, e.g., diagnostic classification in clinical practise should be a means to provide proper, suitable care, and therefore all diagnostic assessments should be used to tailor the treatment and/or care to the capacities and genuine needs of the people that ask for professional help. reviewed acceptedVersion