Thursday, February 11, 2010

What's in a Name?

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V), slated for release in 2014, will alter our current system of identifying individuals with autism and Asperger's syndrome. In the current DSM-IV, autism and Asperger's are listed under the umbrella category of pervasive developmental disorder, which would be renamed autism spectrum disorders in the fifth edition.   Asperger's would be completely removed from the nomencleture as members of the American Psychiatric Association cite lack of clarity and consistency in using the Asperger's diagnosis versus using a diagnosis of high-functioning autism.  DSM-V may instead provide a severity scale that categorizes the extent of social and communication impairment and the degree of fixated interests and repetitive behaviors.

http://www.psych.org/MainMenu/Research/DSMIV/DSMV/DSMRevisionActivities/DSM-V-Work-Group-Reports/Neurodevelopmental-Disorders-Work-Group-Report.aspx