“Words, words, words”: A cross-country qualitative analysis of professionals’ views on ASD and ASD care systems

Professionals' perceptions of ASD and its care system, its associated behaviours, and experience of reactions to ASD, in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and UK were explored. Thirty-seven semi-structured interviews explored professionals’ experiences. Similarity, rather than difference, characterised these responses, and resources, rather than cultural beliefs, were a key issue. Any differences were related to the conception of ASD, with professionals in low-to-medium-income countries placing greater emphasis on parental and societal factors than those in the UK, which may be linked to cultural beliefs. However, such differences did not appear to impact what professionals explored during the diagnoses, nor the types of interventions that were suggested. There were recurring themes of stigma and social inclusion, and the need for support, across all countries, which may be important in understanding ASD cross-culturally around the world. • Professionals' perceptions of ASD and the care system were explored in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and UK. • Thirty-seven interviews noted similarity rather than difference, and resources rather than cultural beliefs, were key. • Professionals in low-to-medium-income countries placed more emphasis on parental and societal factors. • Differences did not impact what professionals explored during the diagnoses nor interventions suggested. • Themes of stigma and social inclusion, and needs for support, emerged across all countries.