New DSM-V and Autism

You may not be aware but many people are concerned that the revisions from the DSM-IV to the DSM-V may mean that many people who might currently get a diagnosis of autism, asperger syndrome or PDD-NOS will no longer meet the criteria once the changes are brought in.

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?_r=3&hp

The proposed changes would probably exclude people with a diagnosis who were higher functioning. “I’m very concerned about the change in diagnosis, because I wonder if my daughter would even qualify,” said Mary Meyer of Ramsey, N.J. A diagnosis of Asperger syndrome was crucial to helping her daughter, who is 37, gain access to services that have helped tremendously. “She’s on disability, which is partly based on the Asperger’s; and I’m hoping to get her into supportive housing, which also depends on her diagnosis.”

Redefining Autism: How it Could Change Treatment and Policy (audio interview)
http://www.thetakeaway.org/2012/jan/20/what-happens-if-we-define-autism-new-ways/

Benedict Carey is a science reporter for The New York Times, whose coverage of this story can be read in today’s edition. Temple Grandin is professor of animal science at Colorado State University. She is the author of “The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger’s" in which she describes autism through her personal experience. John Gilmore is the parent of an autistic son. He shares his thoughts on how a new definition of autism could change life for her and her son.