Now there will be a new breakdown of Autism into 2 groups. One is "true" Autism and the other will be "Social Communication Disorder". There will be an elimination of Asperger's Syndrome and PDD-NOS. I have the DSM-IV manual. I purchased the book when my 3 children were diagnosed with PDD-NOS and Autism.
My middle child was the first one to be diagnosed at 3 years old. He was severe, as severe as they come: severe seizures, severe behavior, non-verbal, the works. How severe is severe? He was in an out of state institution for 3 months until he deteriorated and I took him out. He spent a month at a time in a crisis center. He has chronic problems at his group home now. As far as seizures, they were as long as 5 hours long on Felbatol, vomiting blood and having a spinal tap during a seizure. Unfortunately he had a big surgery last year on the parotid gland.
My younger son has moderate PDD, but also has seizures, severe anxiety, and other medical issues. He is very socially limited. He has a very concrete way of thinking and misinterprets information.
My daughter is milder PDD. But, anxiety and the limiting social aspect of it prevent her from crossing over. She has a tremendous imagination and she looks much younger than her chronical age.
They are all in programs that help them thrive as much as possible. What will this new classification do? Where will they draw the line?
I saw part of a news segment of PBS with a doctor from UMDNJ who is against the new classification. He said it will make things worse. Right now he said 80% of those diagnosed are Autistic and the current breakdown of the disorder is accurate and less confusing.
I have a feeling some children are going to be classified as Autistic, that aren't really, by doctors who want them to get the help they need. It will be bad for the future generation of children with Autism.
I thought they were working to sub-divide the Autism Spectrum further, instead they are just slopping it together. What happens to programs that cater to Asperger's Syndrome? They are in a class by themselves.
What will happen to PDD-NOS? Social Communication Disorder just doesn't do it for the disability. It is a hell of a lot more than that.
Another words, it still has to be broken down somehow:
Like 100% Autism, 75% Autism, 50% Autism, 25% Autism......
Years ago they broke down the category of MR to Mild, Moderate, Severe, and Profound.
That made sense to me. Why are they not doing it with Autism and make it easier.
Autism comes with other disorders too. It is usually a smorgasbord of disabilities.
Who is behind the drastic Autism change? Parents can't cope with these changes. It sounds like a lot of Doctors will not be able too either from the news report from UMDNJ.
Showing posts with label PDD-NOS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PDD-NOS. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
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.
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.
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