I originally posted the following information and commentary onto my Facebook wall…
Susan Meyer, of Ramsey, N.J., and her mother, Mary
New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/health/research/new-autism-definition-would-exclude-many-study-suggests.html
(Benedict Carey) Proposed changes in the definition of autism would sharply reduce the skyrocketing rate at which the disorder is diagnosed and might make it harder for many people who would no longer meet the criteria to get health, educational and social services, a new analysis suggests.
The definition is now being reassessed by an expert panel appointed by the American Psychiatric Association, which is completing work on the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the first major revision in 17 years. The D.S.M., as the manual is known, is the standard reference for mental disorders, driving research, treatment and insurance decisions. Most experts expect that the new manual will narrow the criteria for autism; the question is how sharply.
(Read entire article here…)
My Commentary: New Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) proposals for 2013 are quickly coming upon us!
Out: Aspergers Syndrome
In: Autistic Spectrum Disorder
I blogged my opinion on this particular issue back in November, 2009:
Asperger’s Syndrome to Be Phased Out of DSM-V and Folded Into “Autism Spectrum Disorder”:
http://acidrayn.com/2009/11/24/aspergers-syndrome-to-be-phased-out-of-dsm-v-and-folded-into-autism-spectrum-disorder/
