Changing the Autism Diagnosis

This is the latest in the move to sweep Autism under the rug, ignoring it like it doesn't exist anymore, and saving a lot of money now at the risk of spending it later when the kid's affected collapse and need more help than ever.

I have 3 children with ASD, one mild, one moderate and one maximum severe and placed in a group home. Even my adult child who is mild has such social deficits and anxiety that put her life at a stand still. Without supports and assistance this population will deteriorate. They may become homeless, starve, wind up in jail, or be seriously abused. This has to be a political ploy considering the way our government is being run. I am suspicious of these psychiatrists who can cause mass harm to such a vulunerable population.

This is one of many news articles:
http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2012/01/20/the-changing-definition-of-au tism-critical-issues-ahead/

The Changing Definition of Autism: Critical Issues Ahead
January 20, 2012
Posted by Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, PhD.

Many in our community are understandably concerned that a planned

revision of the medical definition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) will restrict its

diagnosis in ways that will prevent many persons from receiving vital

medical and social services.

Before I catch you up on some of the details behind this revision,

let me first say that although the proposed changes have a solid

scientific rationale, we at Autism Speaks are likewise concerned

about their effect on access to services. It is crucial that these

changes don’t result in discrimination against people who are

struggling with autism symptoms. As the APA moves forward in

formalizing the new definition, we urge that this issue be kept at

the forefront of the discussion. As the changes are implemented,

scientists, families and providers will all need to carefully monitor

its impact on those affected by all forms of ASD. The bottom line is

this: We must ensure that all those who struggle with autism symptoms

get the services they need.

Now let me provide some background.

The APA is currently completing work on the fifth edition of its

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which

will be published in 2013. The DSM is the standard reference that

healthcare providers use to diagnose mental and behavioral

conditions. As such, it influences availability of treatments as well

as insurance coverage.

An expert panel appointed by the APA has proposed that the new

version of the DSM change the current definition of ASD, in part

because of shortcomings in how it is currently used for diagnosis.

The new definition would do three things. First, it would eliminate

the previously separate categories of Asperger syndrome and pervasive

developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) from the

diagnostic manual. Second, it would fold these disorders, together

with “classic” autism, into the single category of ASD. Finally, it

would change the criteria for diagnosing ASD.

Under the current definition, a person can qualify for an ASD

diagnosis by exhibiting at least 6 of 12 behaviors that include

deficits in social interaction, communication or repetitive

behaviors. Under the proposed definition, the person would have to

exhibit three deficits in social interaction and communication and at

least two repetitive behaviors. The APA has also proposed that a new

category be added to the DSM – Social Communication Disorder. This

would allow for a diagnosis of disability in social communication

without the presence of repetitive behavior.

Based on a recent study, some experts are suggesting that many

individuals who currently meet the criteria for ASD, especially those

who are more cognitively capable, would no longer meet criteria for

ASD. If so, the new criteria would result in discrimination against

people who are more cognitively capable. We are concerned about this

and will do all we can to ensure that all people who are struggling

with autism symptoms retain the services they deserve.

As these new criteria are rolled out over the coming year, Autism

Speaks’ position is that it will be vitally important to collect

meaningful information on how the change impacts access to services

by those affected by autism symptoms. Further policy changes may be

needed to ensure that all persons who struggle with autism symptoms

get the services they need.

It is important to keep in mind that this revision in the medical

definition of ASD is not just an academic exercise. These changes in

diagnostic criteria will likely have important influences on the

lives of those in our community who critically need services.