Friday, April 26, 2013

What DSM-5 Means for Autism

Starting a May, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manuel of of Mental Disorders, otherwise known as DSM-5, will be published and implemented in the medical community.  This development has received a lot of media attention lately due to the effect that this revision with have on the way autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed.  Most notably, individuals who receive an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis will no longer be labled with the following two conditions: Aspergers Syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

There has been some concern as to whether the revision will effect services received by those on the autism spectrum.  Services that are necesarry for daily function and peace of mind.  While only time will tell, the revision website states that "no information about treatment is included in DSM.  While determining an accurate diagnosis is the first step for the clinician in defining s treatment plan for a patient, DSM contains no recommendations on what that course of treatment should be." (DSM website)

Since individuals on the spectrum are so different from one another, treatment is varied depending on individual needs.  While there are many concerns based on the information on this website, those on the spectrum will continue to receive present services ASD related needs.  Of course, only time will tell as these changes go into effect next week.

For more information about DSM-5, click here: http://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx

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