A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics is underscoring issues of changing the definition in the guidebook of American psychology of autism. Here are facts about the changing face and scope of autism, Asperger syndrome, PDD-NOS and childhood disintegrative disorder.
* The American Psychiatric Association announced proposals for new diagnostic criteria for autism, a condition primarily found in childhood and adolescence, that would be reflected in the 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder.
* A new category called Autism Spectrum Disorder would encompass and absorb four current diagnoses: Asperger syndrome, autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified and childhood disintegrative disorder. Children would be rated on which symptoms they exhibited and how severe they were and plotted on a spectrum.
* WebMD says this new criteria would eliminate over half of the higher-functioning kids diagnosed with autism, 75 percent of the Asperger syndrome cases and 85 percent of children with PDD-NOS.
* According to the New York Times, under the 14-year-old DSM-IV, many parents have been receiving support services that may end. No diagnosis means a larger number of children who currently qualify for health benefits, special education and social services might no longer have access to those resources.
* The Pediatrics study reinforces parent concern as it shows some differentiation in ASD diagnoses. By nature, ASD often presents with various other concomitant issues. The study looked at kids with current or past but not current ASD for co-occurring conditions which might alter the diagnosis. Findings showed children ages 3 to 5 years old with current ASD diagnoses also had moderate to severe learning disabilities and developmental delays. Kids ages 6 to 11 with active ASD also had past speech problems, current moderate to severe anxiety issues, and past hearing problems. Teens with current ASD diagnoses also had current moderate to severe speech problems, current mild seizure or epilepsy issues and past hearing problems.
* Study authors concluded that co-occurring psychiatric and neurological issues do affect ASD diagnoses, but they aren't sure if it's due to etiologic differences or general shifts in diagnostic protocol.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about parenting from 23 years raising four children and 25 years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and home-school.
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