Introduction
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) represents a central pillar of the JobAut methodology, providing a structured and universally recognised framework for describing human functioning.
Within the context of job coaching for autistic adults, the ICF is not used as a purely theoretical reference, but as a practical tool that allows job coaches to observe, describe, and interpret how individuals function in real-life situations. Its role is to transform qualitative observations into a structured and shared language that can support both assessment and decision-making processes.
The introduction of the ICF within the methodology reflects a fundamental shift away from deficit-based models. Instead of focusing on diagnosis or limitations, the ICF framework enables a more nuanced understanding of how individuals interact with their environment, how they perform tasks, and how contextual factors influence their participation in everyday activities, including work.
In this sense, the ICF provides the methodological bridge between the exploratory nature of the Placement Feasibility Interview and the structured analysis required for job matching.
