http://readerswithautism.com/2010/02/asperger-syndrome-rolled-into-new-autism-spectrum-disorder/
By Richard Finegan
The new proposed DSM-V, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual that is the bible for mental health professionals, would eliminate Asperger’s syndrome (first added to DSM-IV in 1994) as a diagnosis separate from autism. Those now diagnosed with Asperger’s will presumably fall into the milder end of a broadened “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Numerous articles about the proposed change are available, including this one from National Public Radio.
The new name for the category, autism spectrum disorder, includes autistic disorder (autism), Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
For those like me curious about the actual wording of the new proposed section of the DSM-V (and I’ll admit I’m a wonk and want to see these things verbatim, not just interpreted for me by someone who thinks I can’t read well enough to understand it), here it is: [Bold face and words in brackets I have added]
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Must meet criteria 1, 2, and 3:
1. Clinically significant, persistent deficits in social communication and interactions, as manifest by all of the following:
a. Marked deficits in nonverbal and verbal communication used for social interaction:
b. Lack of social reciprocity; [and]
c. Failure to develop and maintain peer relationships appropriate to developmental level [and]
2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least TWO of the following:
a. Stereotyped motor or verbal behaviors, or unusual sensory behaviors
b. Excessive adherence to routines and ritualized patterns of behavior
c. Restricted, fixated interests [and]
3. Symptoms must be present in early childhood (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities)
http://www.dsm5.org/ProposedRevisions/Pages/proposedrevision.aspx?rid=94
Related posts:
- Reader with autism and figurative language, part 1
- When a reader with autism needs to respond to literature…
- Autism and hyperlexia, part 1: Anaphoric cuing?
- Don’t stop advocating for the child with autism!
- Intermezzo: A word about the spectrum
5 Comments
I know there are many diagnosed with Asperger’s (or parents of a child so diagnosed) who will be upet by this action. Granted there is a stigma in the minds of most of the public about autism. But as Dr. Temple Grandin has noted (and she knows autism from the inside): “Autism is an extremely variable disorder.”
It is a spectrum, and whatever stigma exists is simply reinforced if only those with more extreme symptoms are said to be on that spectrum and those with milder symptoms are excluded.
It will be better for everyone when the general public comes to recognize what Dr. Grandin recognizes and stops making assumptions based on nothing more than the diagnosis “autism spectrum disorder.”
Too many kids being diagnosed with autism aren’t TRULY autistic. Most every single child diagnosed with autism today seems to be “HF” high functioning or has “mild autism”. In fact, most these kids have ODD, OCD, mild schizoid issues, ADHD, fetal alcohol syndrome, bi-polar issues, or some other disorder that was mistaken for autism or aspergers. Then you’ve got all these “weird” kids who have spent 590 hours a week playing strange video games getting a dark personality that can’t handle reality and suddenly, woe…they must be aspergers. Then there are real people with real aspergers that are now lumped into the ever expanding “autism spectrum” that is really an “autism spectacle” with droves of psuedo professionals cashing in on the alleged epidemic rooted in the epidemic of mis and overdiagnosing children. Stop the madness. Keep it real.
justdoyourjob–
Well, that’s one opinion. My feeling is that the DSM change makes abundantly clear what should be abundantly clear regarding these related issues (whether one or the same) and that is that there is a very wide range of symptoms. Hence the use of the term spectrum.
I work in a high school with autisic students…and also have an adult brother on the spectrum, it will be a relief not to have to refer to him as an “Aspie”…or
as having the Aspergers disorder. Though it is the name of the person who developed the label…it is not a lovely
word.
Just as there are a lot of signs of autism, you will find a lot of ways you can help your autistic child cope with everyday life. Praise them typically, it reinforces very good behaviors. Teach them points by doing it with them, showing them how, even if it really is something menial like brushing their teeth or consuming having a fork and knife. As they get older, use visual reminders to assist them maintain on job. Autism Causes
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