A qualitative study of risk and resilience for positive life outcomes in neurodivergence using the WHO ICF Show others and affiliations
2025 (English) In: Scientific Reports, E-ISSN 2045-2322, Vol. 15, no 1, article id 35285Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Resilience is a dynamic process involving the interaction of multi-systemic individual and environmental factors that operate to protect against adversity and promote positive personal outcomes. Resilience is a topic of interest among groups who commonly experience adversity. Yet, it has received limited attention in the context of neurodivergence (e.g., autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This study is part of a larger project investigating the bio-psycho-social factors contributing to resilience in neurodivergence using the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning (ICF). Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 69 neurodivergent individuals and/or their loved ones to explore the factors they believe influence risk and resilience for positive life outcomes and well-being. A deductive qualitative content analysis was employed to extract meaningful concepts from the interviews, which we then quantified by linking concepts to the ICF. A range of bio-psycho-social factors contributing to risk and resilience were identified, particularly in the ICF’s activity, participation, and environmental domains. Key factors included the immediate family, friends, and community members, as well as recreation and leisure, higher-level cognitive functions, and empowerment. Findings, while preliminary, highlight the need to look beyond individual factors alone, emphasizing the variable and context-dependent nature of resilience in neurodivergence.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages Springer , 2025. Vol. 15, no 1, article id 35285
Keywords [en]
ADHD; Autism; International classification of functioning; Neurodevelopmental; Neurodiversity; Strengths-based
National Category
Health Sciences
Research subject Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-48648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-19154-9 ISI: 001591494800040 PubMedID: 41068192 Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105018260219 OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-48648 DiVA, id: diva2:2006272
Funder Karolinska Institute 2025-10-142025-10-142026-07-02 Bibliographically approved