Improving Descriptive Diagnostics of Autism in People With Moderate or Severe Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Participatory Study.

This study aimed to improve descriptive autism assessment for people with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities (ID) in the Netherlands. The goal was to co-design a framework including an overview of assessment instruments, and recommendations for evaluating broader functioning, for translating findings into daily care and for involving representatives and staff. We used a participatory design, involving parents/representatives, clinicians, care staff, and management from ID and mental health services. The process included a literature study of autism-related instruments, a Delphi study