Resilience in neurodivergence: professional perspectives mapped to the World Health Organisations’ International Classification of Functioning

TL;DR

The study explores factors that support well-being in neurodivergent individuals, using a global framework to identify resilience and risk factors across their lives.

Contribution

The study maps professional perspectives on resilience in neurodivergent populations to the WHO’s ICF framework, identifying bio-psycho-social factors.

Findings

Environmental and activity-related factors are seen as key for resilience in neurodivergent individuals.

Factors like emotional functions, brain structure, and family dynamics were identified as important for well-being.

The findings highlight potential targets for interventions to support neurodivergent people’s mental health and functioning.

Abstract

Individuals with childhood-onset divergent neurological development, such as autism or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), may live a good life according to objectively or subjectively determined standards. Yet, most research has focused on deficits and risks for negative outcomes. This international study forms part of a larger project examining the factors contributing to well-being, mental health, and functioning outcomes in neurodivergent populations using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning (ICF). Following ICF research branch methodology, 198 professionals were surveyed on the factors that they believe are important for risk and resilience in neurodivergent populations and linked responses to ICF nomenclature using a standardized linking process. A range of bio-psycho-social factors perceived to be important for risk and resilience in neurodivergent populations were identified, including temperament and personality, emotional functions, the structure of the brain, financial status, recreation and leisure, and the immediate family. Most factors identified were environmental or related to activity and participation. Findings add to the limited literature on resilience in neurodivergent populations. We identify risk- and resilience-inducing factors that operate in the context of neurodivergence across the lifespan. These serve as candidates for future investigation and provide targets for intervention and social participation support.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-25079-0.

Figures