Rethinking body representations in autism across cultures

Mourad, J., Grosjean, B., Perroud, N., Bogaerts, K., Desseilles, M., & Bonnechère, B. (2025). Rethinking body representations in autism across cultures. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, 1612219-1612219. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1612219

Publication date: 4 Aug 2025 Added to AutiHub: 5 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
6
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 6 (16.7%)

Abstract

questionnaires and evaluations have primarily been developed in a limited set of developed nations, including France (10,11), Saudi Arabia (15,19), Japan (13), the USA (14), the UK (15), Sweden (16) and Austria (17). This concentration in developed countries restricts the applicability of these tools. Despite cultural commonalities, biased assessments overlook global BR diversity, neglecting many cultures and hindering autism diagnosis and support worldwide. Consequently, future research must prioritize developing universally adaptable assessments that accommodate cultural and linguistic diversity, enhancing both accuracy and accessibility. Because cultural norms significantly shape how BR manifest and how autism is perceived, e.g., varying norms around eye contact and social engagement (18)(19)(20), it is essential to assess BR within these contexts. This necessity extends well beyond autism, as cultural beliefs and practices shape health-seeking behaviors and the interpretation of symptoms across different populations. Culturally grounded adaptations in autism interventions improve effectiveness, as emphasized by Keehn (21), and cultural beliefs influence care practices and treatment outcomes (21,22). A one-size-fits-all approach to autism assessment may therefore overlook critical cultural nuances, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or ineffective interventions.Therefore, this opinion highlights the importance of integrating cultural factors in the assessment of BRs in autism.Currently, the vast majority of the studies are being conducted in high-income countries (HIC), which leads to biased understandings of autism (23), limiting the generalizability of findings to non-Western populations. While 80% of the population lives in LMICs (23), research on autism in lowand middle income countries (LMICs) is still very limited, and many individuals remain undiagnosed due to the lack of culturally appropriate diagnostic tools (24)(25)(26)(27). For example in China, diagnostic services are still developing, resulting in lower prevalence rates 39.23 per 10,000 compared to higher-income countries like the USA and Northern Europe (1% to 2.21%); this gap can be attributed to diagnostic tools that overlook cultural differences, language barriers, and varying levels of autism awareness (23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29). This disparity is evident in epidemiological studies, where 26 of 37 surveys were from high-income countries and only 11 from middle-income countries (average prevalence 0.47%), with no studies from low-income countries (19). In Nigeria and South Africa, researchers highlight persistent barriers such as low diagnostic awareness, cultural stigma, and a lack of regionally adapted screening tools (24,25). Similarly, in India, Dey et al. conducted an online survey followed by an indepth conversation with parents of autistic children and autistic adults emphasizing the need for culturally grounded autism priorities and tools (26). These studies demonstrate that underdiagnosis in LMICs is not solely due to economic constraints, but also to fundamental mismatches between Western-based diagnostic models and local sociocultural frameworks.To better evaluate the research specifically performed around BR in ASD we performed a bibliometric analysis. Bibliometric analysis is a quantitative method for mapping scientific literature, allowing researchers to identify trends, collaboration networks, knowledge gaps and potential future research direction by analyzing publication metadata (30). Data for the present study was obtained from the WoS (accessed on 15 April 2025), using MeSH and title/abstract keywords related to autism spectrum disorder (e.g., "ASD," "autism," "Asperger's syndrome") and body representations (e.g., "body awareness," "interoception," "body schema," "proprioception," "sensorimotor integration," "embodiment," "motor imagery"). A total of 4,024 documents including research articles, review articles and book chapters formed the final dataset, with data processed using VOSviewer to visualize and map collaboration networks (31).Before 2000 we observed that this concept was scarcely studied, but it has since experienced exponential growth. (Figure 1B). As for studies about the prevalence of ASD we observed that most, if not all the studies, are being performed in HIC (the 20 most significant contributor are presented in Figure 1C). Another important finding, potentially limiting the external validity of these studies, from a cultural point of view, is that most of the studies are being performed in one single country and that, as depicted in Figure 1A, there are almost no collaborations with LMICs.The main challenges in assessing BRs in various cultures 3.1 Cultural background: between similarities and differences in regional patternsOne crucial aspect to consider is that cultural similarities across certain regions or countries can result in similar patterns in the manifestation of BR and other autism-related characteristics. Countries with shared cultural, historical, or linguistic backgrounds are more likely to exhibit comparable societal norms and attitudes towards body perception. This common cultural foundation can lead to similarities in research outcomes within these regions. For example, studies conducted in countries which share cultural and linguistic resemblances, often show analogous results in terms of BRs assessments and autism prevalence (23). Countries in the Middle East, like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, may exhibit parallel outcomes due to shared cultural and religious norms (32)(33)(34)(35)(36). Similarly, countries influenced by Latin European and Western biomedical traditions share cultural and scientific framework, public health and educational systems, ultimately leading to alike societal attitudes toward body perceptions. In Westernized cultures, particularly among women, dissatisfaction with body weight and appearance is common and has been linked to eating disorders, depression, and anxiety (18,37). In contrast, other cultures may emphasize different physical ideals or interpret bodily differences, for instance overweight can be associated with the norm of beauty or even considered as healthy and wealth (18,19,38). Western diagnostic tools, such as those based on body image dissatisfaction, may not be applicable or relevant in non-Western contexts. Moreover, behaviors seen as socially deviant in one culture may be normalized or even valued in another.While cultural norms are acknowledged to shape body representation (BR) (18,39) the mechanisms by which these influences operate, particularly in autism, deserve a deeper exploration. Cultural environments structure early sensorimotor experiences (40,41), including norms around physical touch, posture, bodily autonomy, and social body use. In autistic individuals, who often show atypical sensory processing, including altered proprioception, interoception, and tactile perception (42)(43)(44), culturally mediated sensory input may exert amplified or divergent developmental effects.For example, studies have shown that self-representation and multisensory integration are modulated by cultural experiences through plasticity in regions such as the insula and temporoparietal junction (45,46), areas that are also implicated in BR and are known to function atypically in autistic individuals (47). Taken together, these findings suggest that culturally specific experiences dynamically shape BR neurodevelopment by influencing multisensory integration and bodily selfawareness, particularly in neurodivergent populations. Therefore, a culturally sensitive approach is critical for accurate assessment in autistic individuals. It is also important to consider the naturenurture balance in developmental disorders. This distinction underscores the need to tailor assessment tools not only to regional cultural contexts but also to the underlying nature vs nurture profile of the condition being evaluated. Acknowledging cultural similarities and differences can thus facilitate the development of more accurate and universally adaptable diagnostic tools (35,48,49). Language and communication barriers can also play a significant role in assessing BR, especially in multilingual and culturally diverse contexts (50). Body language and social communication, both shaped by cultural and linguistic norms, can present unique challenges for autistic individuals (51). Cultural variations in non-verbal communication may further complicate the interpretation of autistic individuals' physical expressions. For example, while typically developing children tend to display open, outward-directed movements, autistic children often exhibit inward, closed postures and lighter movements. However, these differences should not be seen merely as deficits but rather as intrinsic aspects of their identity. As Gowen and collaborators suggest, it is no longer "one big clumsy mess" but "a fundamental part of [their] character" (52). Future research should explore how cultural expectations around body language influence the perception and interpretation of autistic individuals' movements, rather than treating these differences as barriers.Several culturally sensitive models have been developed to address these issues and enhance patientcentered care (53). In response to increasing diversity, healthcare professionals, and policymakers are developing culturally competent services that align communication and care with patients' values (54). For example, the Patient-Centered Culturally Sensitive Health Care Model has demonstrated that when healthcare providers exhibit cultural sensitivity, patient adherence to treatment improves among ethnically diverse patients, particularly low-income African American and non-Hispanic White Americans, seen in community-based primary care clinics. However, a recent scoping review highlights significant heterogeneity in cultural competence models and interventions, with most focusing on racial and ethnic diversity, particularly in minority populations, overlooking cultural diversity. This underscores the need for more inclusive models suited to Europe's superdiverse populations and beyond (55).Another crucial initiative is the ACT Cultural Model, which provides guiding principles for culturally competent care, emphasizing the integration of cultural sensitivity training into both undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare education. A meta-ethnographic review further underscores the importance of self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and effective collaboration with patients and families (56,57). Keehn et al. (21) applied the Ecological Validity Framework in Kenya to codevelop a caregiver training program, emphasizing the importance of community partnership and culturally grounded design. Their approach illustrates how interventions can be meaningful and scalable when co-created with local stakeholders. Additionally, Kang-Yi et al. (22) examined how community-level cultural beliefs profoundly shape both caregiver help-seeking behaviors and professional diagnostic pathways. Despite the widespread recognition of cultural competence, research on its impact remains limited, particularly in specialized areas such as autism assessment and intervention (58). Moreover, the challenges associated with autism diagnosis in low-resource settings highlight the urgent need for culturally sensitive assessment tools. The absence of culturally appropriate diagnostic tools and a shortage of trained professionals can severely hinder autism diagnosis and treatment, especially in diverse cultural contexts (59). Similarly, it has been shown that screening tools for autism are often unavailable or poorly understood in certain cultural settings, resulting in delays in diagnosis and intervention (60). Note that these issues are not unique to autism; they extend to other mental and physical health conditions, where cultural factors significantly impact the accessibility and effectiveness of diagnostic tools and treatments, this further highlights the absolute necessity of developing more culturally adapted and less language dependent assessment tools.Beyond diagnosis, the experiences of individuals with autism and their families further illustrate the critical role of cultural factors in shaping both clinical outcomes and lived experiences. For instance, research highlights how social policies and cultural narratives influence the identities of individuals with autism, underscoring the need for policies that reduce stigma and promote understanding (61). Cultural perceptions do not only affect the diagnostic process but also shape societal attitudes, access to support, and the well-being of autistic individuals and their families. These challenges parallel those faced by individuals with other health conditions, where cultural stigma may impact treatment adherence and patient outcomes.It is imperative that we address the significant cultural and geographical gaps in our understanding of BR. Current research predominantly hails from developed countries, leading to skewed insights and culturally limited assessment tools. This Western-centric focus neglects the diverse manifestations of autism that occur across different global cultures, potentially resulting in misdiagnoses and ineffective interventions.To improve this, more inclusive and adaptable diagnostic tools that reflect a multitude of cultural contexts need to be developed. Researchers and practitioners should prioritize collaborations between HICs and LMICs to ensure a broader, more comprehensive understanding of BRs and autism. However, such collaboration must consider the economic and infrastructural constraints in LMICs. Funding, staffing, and technological gaps remain key barriers. To address feasibility, we propose several cost-effective and scalable approaches. Mobile health (mHealth) tools, such as app-based screening and tablet assessments, can be delivered in local languages and administered by trained lay health workers. These tools can be integrated into existing community-based health programs and public health systems, such as those supported by the WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). Participatory co-design involving local clinicians, families, and autistic individuals is essential to ensure cultural relevance and uptake. Open-access diagnostic protocols and publicprivate partnerships can help mitigate financial constraints and reduce dependency on expensive, proprietary Western tools.Investing in local research within LMICs and fostering cross-cultural partnerships will pave the way for diagnostic advancements that are both accurate and accessible worldwide.Furthermore, integrating cultural sensitivity into autism assessments will improve their relevance and effectiveness. This involves tailoring interventions to align with regional norms, language proficiencies, and communication styles, ensuring that all individuals receive equitable care and support.Additionally, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of diagnostic tools are crucial to ensure they account for local languages, cultural norms, and ecological contexts. Emerging technology-based, unsupervised methods for longitudinal assessment, such as digital phenotyping, offer promising solutions, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare professionals (62). These innovations could help integrate BR assessments into natural environments, making diagnosis and intervention more accessible and ecologic.Taken together, these solutions represent feasible, scalable strategies to address Western-centric limitations and promote culturally informed autism diagnostics in diverse global settings. In conclusion, integrating cultural factors into autism assessment is a broader necessity in healthcare, as cultural contexts shape the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental and physical health conditions. Failing to consider these factors presents ethical and practical challenges, particularly in evaluating body representations, a core psychomotor function linked to autonomy and quality of life.Autism research has historically been Western-centric, overrepresenting white, cisgender, and educated individuals while underrepresenting those from diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly in LMICs. This representativity bias has distorted the global understanding of autism, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate support.To address these disparities, investing in culturally adapted diagnostic tools and digital phenotyping enabling unsupervised, longitudinal assessments is essential. Cross-cultural collaboration among researchers will ensure more accurate, inclusive, and context-sensitive autism assessments.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Bibliography inclusion overview

These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:30.

Cited references
64
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
1 / 64 (1.6%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
1 / 304 (0.3%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 1 / 35 (2.9%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 1 / 295 (0.3%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
35 / 304 (11.5%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 29 / 295 (9.8%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
34 / 35 (97.1%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 34 / 304 (11.2%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 28 / 29 (96.6%).
2 cited bibliography entries could not be fully enriched from DOI metadata.
Crossref: not found (1) · DataCite: not found (1)
  1. Laurence R. Harris , Michael J. Carnevale , Sarah D’Amour , Lindsey E. Fraser , Vanessa Harrar , Adria E. N. Hoover et al. (2015). How our body influences our perception of the world . Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 819-819. Frontiers Media SA.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  2. Matej Hoffmann , Pablo Lanillos , Lorenzo Jamone , Alex Pitti , Eszter Somogyi (2020). Editorial: Body Representations, Peripersonal Space, and the Self: Humans, Animals, Robots . Frontiers in Neurorobotics, 14, 35-35. Frontiers Media SA.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  3. Rachel F. Rodgers , Katherine Laveway , Priscila Campos , Pedro Henrique Berbert de Carvalho (2023). Body image as a global mental health concern . Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health, 10, e9. Cambridge University Press (CUP).
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  4. Shinobu Kitayama , Sarah Huff (2015). Cultural Neuroscience: Connecting Culture, Brain, and Genes . Emerging Trends in the Social and Behavioral Sciences, 1-16. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  5. Davide Sattin , Chiara Parma , Christian Lunetta , Aida Zulueta , Jacopo Lanzone , Luca Giani et al. (2023). An Overview of the Body Schema and Body Image: Theoretical Models, Methodological Settings and Pitfalls for Rehabilitation of Persons with Neurological Disorders . Brain Sciences, 13(10), 1410. MDPI AG.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  6. Ghaleb H. Alnahdi (2024). Variations in Perceptions of Well-Being within Families of Youths with Intellectual Disabilities in Saudi Arabia . Children, 11(6), 644. MDPI AG.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  7. Jun Izawa , Sarah E. Pekny , Mollie K. Marko , Courtney C. Haswell , Reza Shadmehr , Stewart H. Mostofsky (2012). Motor Learning Relies on Integrated Sensory Inputs in ADHD, but Over‐Selectively on Proprioception in Autism Spectrum Conditions . Autism Research, 5(2), 124-136. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/aur.1222 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1582288327
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  8. Matthew R. Longo , Patrick Haggard (2010). An implicit body representation underlying human position sense . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(26), 11727-11732. National Academy of Sciences.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  9. Nees Jan van Eck , Ludo Waltman (2010). Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping . Scientometrics, 84(2), 523-538. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  10. Carissa J. Cascio , Estephan J. Moana‐Filho , Steve Guest , Mary Beth Nebel , Jonathan Weisner , Grace T. Baranek et al. (2012). Perceptual and Neural Response to Affective Tactile Texture Stimulation in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders . Autism Research, 5(4), 231-244. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/aur.1224 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1913927293
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  11. Giuseppe Riva (2018). The neuroscience of body memory: From the self through the space to the others . Cortex, 104, 241-260. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  12. Emma Gowen , Louis Earley , Adeeba Waheed , Ellen Poliakoff (2023). From “one big clumsy mess” to “a fundamental part of my character.” Autistic adults’ experiences of motor coordination . PLOS ONE, 18(6), e0286753. Public Library of Science (PLoS).
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  13. Lise Mogensen , Jan Mason (2015). The meaning of a label for teenagers negotiating identity: experiences with autism spectrum disorder . Sociology of Health & Illness, 37(2), 255-269. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  14. Anne de Leeuw , Francesca Happé , Rosa A. Hoekstra (2020). A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Cultural and Contextual Factors on Autism Across the Globe . Autism Research, 13(7), 1029-1050. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/aur.2276 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3006691882
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  15. Shihui Han , Georg Northoff (2008). Culture-sensitive neural substrates of human cognition: a transcultural neuroimaging approach . Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(8), 646-654. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1038/nrn2456 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2026203340
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  16. Dijkerman (2018). The body and cognition: The relation between body representations and higher level cognitive and social processes . Cortex, 104.
    Type: Other DOI: 10.1016/jcortex.2018.06.001 Crossref: not found DataCite: not found
    Crossref
  17. Ghada R.A. Taha , Hanan Hussein , Afrah Almanasef (2013). Two years’ outcome of autism in a sample of Egyptian and Saudi children . Middle East Current Psychiatry, 20(3), 122-130. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  18. Anne Möllmann , Nina Heinrichs , Arvid Herwig (2024). A conceptual framework on body representations and their relevance for mental disorders . Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1231640-1231640. Frontiers Media SA.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  19. Chihiro Itoi , Yuta Ujiie , Kanae Matsushima , Kohske Takahashi , Masakazu Ide (2022). Validation of the Japanese version of the Interoception Sensory Questionnaire for individuals with autism spectrum disorder . Scientific Reports, 12(1), 21722. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  20. Carolyn M. Tucker , Michael Marsiske , Kenneth G. Rice , Jessica Jones Nielson , Keith Herman (2011). Patient-centered culturally sensitive health care: Model testing and refinement. Health Psychology, 30(3), 342-350. American Psychological Association (APA).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1037/a0022967 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2036418561
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  21. Carissa J. Cascio , Jennifer H. Foss‐Feig , Courtney P. Burnette , Jessica L. Heacock , Akua A. Cosby (2012). The rubber hand illusion in children with autism spectrum disorders: delayed influence of combined tactile and visual input on proprioception . Autism, 16(4), 406-419. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  22. Raphael Bernier , Alice Mao , Jennifer Yen (2010). Psychopathology, Families, and Culture: Autism . Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 19(4), 855-867. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  23. Danielle Ropar , Katie Greenfield , Alastair D. Smith , Mark Carey , Roger Newport (2018). Body representation difficulties in children and adolescents with autism may be due to delayed development of visuo-tactile temporal binding . Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 29, 78-85. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  24. Kimberly B. Schauder , Lisa E. Mash , Lauren K. Bryant , Carissa J. Cascio (2015). Interoceptive ability and body awareness in autism spectrum disorder . Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 131, 193-200. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  25. Geneviève Haag , Michel Botbol , Rozenn Graignic , Fernando Perez-Diaz , Guillaume Bronsard , Solenn Kermarrec et al. (2010). The Autism Psychodynamic Evaluation of Changes (APEC) scale: A reliability and validity study on a newly developed standardized psychodynamic assessment for youth with Pervasive Developmental Disorders . Journal of Physiology-Paris, 104(6), 323-336. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  26. Skye Adams (2024). The Unmasking of Autism in South Africa and Nigeria . Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Volume 20, 947-955. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  27. Mayada Elsabbagh , Gauri Divan , Yun‐Joo Koh , Young Shin Kim , Shuaib Kauchali , Carlos Marcín et al. (2012). Global Prevalence of Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders . Autism Research, 5(3), 160-179. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/aur.239 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2098251401
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  28. C. Le Menn-Tripi , A. Vachaud , N. Defas , J. Malvy , S. Roux , F. Bonnet-Brilhault (2019). L’évaluation sensori-psychomotrice dans l’autisme: un nouvel outil d’aide au diagnostic fonctionnel . L'Encéphale, 45(4), 312-319. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  29. Naveen Donthu , Satish Kumar , Debmalya Mukherjee , Nitesh Pandey , Weng Marc Lim (2021). How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines . Journal of Business Research, 133, 285-296. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  30. Maureen S. Durkin , Mayada Elsabbagh , Josephine Barbaro , Melissa Gladstone , Francesca Happé , Rosa A. Hoekstra et al. (2015). Autism screening and diagnosis in low resource settings: Challenges and opportunities to enhance research and services worldwide . Autism Research, 8(5), 473-476. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/aur.1575 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2101840039
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  31. Shahad M. Alkhalifah , Hana AlArifi , Muhammad AlHeizan , Hesham Aldhalaan , Éric Fombonne (2020). Validation of the Arabic Version of the Two Sensory Processing Measure Questionnaires . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 78, 101652. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  32. Barah Alallawi , Richard P. Hastings , Gemma Gray (2020). A Systematic Scoping Review of Social, Educational, and Psychological Research on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Family Members in Arab Countries and Cultures . Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 7(4), 364-382. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  33. Laura A. Brooks , Elizabeth Manias , Melissa J. Bloomer (2019). Culturally sensitive communication in healthcare: A concept analysis . Collegian, 26(3), 383-391. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  34. Phaedra Longhurst , Jennifer Todd , Jane Elizabeth Aspell , Viren Swami (2024). Psychometric evaluation of a revised version of the body appreciation scale-2 for autistic adults (BAS-2A) . Body Image, 49, 101706. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  35. Jamal M. Alkhateeb , Muna S. Hadidi , Amal J. Alkhateeb (2016). Inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in Arab countries: A review of the research literature from 1990 to 2014 . Research in Developmental Disabilities, 49-50, 60-75. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  36. I. Bertilsson , J. Melin , C. Brogårdh , A. Opheim , A.L. Gyllensten , E. Björksell et al. (2024). Measurement properties of the Body Awareness Scale Movement Quality (BAS MQ) in persons on the autism spectrum: A preliminary Rasch analysis . Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 38, 464-473. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  37. Berta De-María , Gabriela Topa , M. Angeles López-González (2024). Cultural Competence Interventions in European Healthcare: A Scoping Review . Healthcare, 12(10), 1040. MDPI AG.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  38. Elisabeth Söchting , Johannes Hartl , Martin Riederer , Christian Schönauer , Hannes Kaufmann , Claus Lamm (2015). Development of Tests to Evaluate the Sensory Abilities of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder . Procedia Computer Science, 67, 193-203. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  39. Charushila Rukadikar , Snehalata Mali , Ritu Bajpai , Atul Rukadikar , Amit K. Singh (2022). A review on cultural competency in medical education . Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 11(8), 4319-4329. Medknow.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  40. Mariana Merino , José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera , Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz , Carlota Valeria Villanueva-Tobaldo , Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez , Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez (2024). Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements on Self-Esteem and Mental Health with a Focus on Body Image Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Cultural and Gender Factors . Healthcare, 12(14), 1396. MDPI AG.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  41. Zeqi Hao , Yuyu Shi , Lina Huang , Jiawei Sun , Mengting Li , Yanyan Gao et al. (2022). The Atypical Effective Connectivity of Right Temporoparietal Junction in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multi-Site Study . Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 927556-927556. Frontiers Media SA.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  42. Hanan Hussein , Ghada R.A. Taha (2013). Autism spectrum disorders . Middle East Current Psychiatry, 20(3), 106-116. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  43. Marzieh Abdoli , Marco Scotto Rosato , Avinash Desousa , Paolo Cotrufo (2024). Cultural Differences in Body Image: A Systematic Review . Social Sciences, 13(6), 305. MDPI AG.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  44. Amanda H. Waterman , Oscar T. Giles , Jelena Havelka , Sumaya Ali , Peter R. Culmer , Richard M. Wilkie et al. (2017). Sensorimotor control dynamics and cultural biases: learning to move in the right (or left) direction . Royal Society Open Science, 4(2), 160806. The Royal Society.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  45. Rebecca McNally Keehn , Mandy Rispoli , Chelagat Saina , Amira Nafiseh , Eren Oyungu , Felicita Wangechi Omari et al. (2024). Pepea Pamoja: † Applying the Ecological Validity Framework to co‐develop a wellbeing and behavioural training program for caregivers of young children with autism in low‐resource settings of Kenya and the United States . Child: Care, Health and Development, 50(4), e13299. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  46. Christina D. Kang-Yi , Roy Richard Grinker , Rinad Beidas , Aneeza Agha , Rachel Russell , Sandeep B. Shah et al. (2018). Influence of Community-Level Cultural Beliefs about Autism on Families’ and Professionals’ Care for Children . Transcultural Psychiatry, 55(5), 623-647. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  47. Sayyed Ali Samadi (2022). Overview of Services for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and among Immigrants and Minority Groups in High-Income Countries (HICs) . Brain Sciences, 12(12), 1682. MDPI AG.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  48. Desire Alice Naigaga , David Jahanlu , Hanne Marit Claudius , Anne Karine Gjerlaug , Ingrid Barikmo , Sigrun Henjum (2018). Body size perceptions and preferences favor overweight in adult Saharawi refugees . Nutrition Journal, 17(1), 17. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  49. Shondell V. Hickson (2023). Assessment of cultural competency . Clinics in Integrated Care, 21, 100173. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  50. Fei Wang , Li Lu , Shi-Bin Wang , Ling Zhang , Chee H. Ng , Gabor S. Ungvari et al. (2018). The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in China: a comprehensive meta-analysis . International Journal of Biological Sciences, 14(7), 717-725. Ivyspring International Publisher.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  51. Chris Dijkerman , Bigna Lenggenhager (2018). The body and cognition: The relation between body representations and higher level cognitive and social processes . Cortex, 104, 133-139. Elsevier BV.
    OpenAlex
  52. Nicholas Aderinto , Deji Olatunji , Oluwatobi Idowu (2023). Autism in Africa: prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and the impact of social and cultural factors on families and caregivers: a review . Annals of Medicine & Surgery, 85(9), 4410-4416. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  53. Ipsita Dey , Sreerupa Chakrabarty , Rajanya Nandi , Rakshita Shekhar , Sakhi Singhi , Shoba Nayar et al. (2024). Autism community priorities in diverse low-resource settings: A country-wide scoping exercise in India . Autism, 28(1), 187-198. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  54. Elisa De Stefani , Doriana De Marco (2019). Language, Gesture, and Emotional Communication: An Embodied View of Social Interaction . Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2063-2063. Frontiers Media SA.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  55. Bo Yang , Jing Liao , Xiaoqiang Tang , Mengcan Wang (2025). Loving body loving life: body image and life satisfaction in different cultures . Current Psychology, 44(5), 3643-3651. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  56. Irga Safira , Rahmadsyah Rangkuti , Ely Hayati Nasution , Yulianus Harefa (2020). Non-Verbal Communication by Autistic Children . ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 3(4), 492-505. Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  57. Joanna Mourad , Kim Daniels , Katleen Bogaerts , Martin Desseilles , Bruno Bonnechère (2024). Innovative Digital Phenotyping Method to Assess Body Representations in Autistic Adults: A Perspective on Multisensor Evaluation . Sensors, 24(20), 6523. MDPI AG.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  58. (n.d.). Chapter 1. “The phenomenology of body memory” 9 22 Fuchs T Koch SC Fuchs T Summa M Müller C Amsterdam, The Netherlands: John Benjamins Publishing Company Body memory, metaphor and movement 2012
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  59. Shuangyu Li , Katherine Miles , Riya George , Candan Ertubey , Peter Pype , Jia Liu (2023). A critical review of cultural competence frameworks and models in medical and health professional education: A meta-ethnographic synthesis: BEME Guide No. 79 . Medical Teacher, 45(10), 1085-1107. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  60. Su-hua Wang , Samantha Basch (2024). A cultural perspective of action-based learning by infants and young children . Advances in Child Development and Behavior, 67, 164-199. Elsevier.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  61. Mohammed Al-Beltagi (2023). Pre-autism: What a paediatrician should know about early diagnosis of autism‎ . World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics, 12(5), 273-294. Baishideng Publishing Group Inc..
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  62. (2023). Advances in CHILD DEVELOPMENTAND BEHAVIOR . In Advances in Child Development and Behavior (pp. i). Elsevier.
    OpenAlex
  63. Misic-Ilic (2004). Language and culture studies - wonderland through the linguistic looking glass . Facta universitatis: series linguistics and literature, 1.
    Type: Other
    Crossref