Understanding the DSM-5 Autism Criteria

As I was preparing to write about the new diagnostic criteria proposed regarding the identification of autistic spectrum disorders, a front page New York Times article created a stir about them. The authors of an as yet unpublished study looked at children who had been diagnosed with milder impairments such as Asperger Syndrome and found that a high percentage may no longer be diagnosed under the newly proposed system. The researchers involved in the DSM-5 changes disagree, and have their own data showing that the new criteria include higher functioning children and adults. While I am hopeful the authors of the revision will continue to keep in mind the need to identify higher functioning individuals with autism, I believe simplification of the autism diagnosis is going to help families and children get the care that they require.