Figure 1. The 4-level conceptual framework.

The conceptual framework considers the identification and diagnostic process at four levels: 1) the expression, 2) recognition, 3) interpretation and 4) reporting of autism symptoms. The possible cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence this process are presented in the white boxes. These factors of influence are further examined at its corresponding levels in the paper. The gradient box at level 3 in this framework illustrates that the biological or medical and supernatural causal explanations are not mutually exclusive. CAM = complementary alternative medicine.