In 2012, there may be no more Asperger's Syndrome. No, I'm not talking about some sort of 2012 doomsday prophecy or suggesting that there will be some sort of cure for this particular Autism Spectrum condition. According to a proposal from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the Asperger's diagnosis, along with another "form" of Autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) will be removed from the next edition of their diagnostic manual, the DSM. The DSM stands for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It is the standard reference for mental health professionals in the United States to use for diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.
Upon first reading this headline, I was pleased to think that perhaps Asperger's would no longer be considered a mental illness or disorder. To me, it has always seemed a little stigmatizing for the Autism spectrum to be considered a mental illness. Working in the education field, I have always considered Autism to be a developmental disability or difference, but I guess there is no definite answer about its exact nature. Honestly, I don't think that mental illnesses or disorders should be considered so stigmatizing in society in general, but that's a topic for another essay.
The proposed changes to the DSM focus on eliminating the different labels associated with the Autism spectrum and replacing them with different ratings of the "severity" of Autism: "most severe ASD," "moderately severe ASD," and "less severe ASD." The APA's argument for combining the forms of Autism into one broad diagnostic category is based on three reasons:
1. A single spectrum is more reflective of the symptoms,
2. Separation of the conditions within the Autism spectrum is inconsistent and variable,
3. Individuals are already commonly diagnosed by the severity of the symptoms, rather than specific condition within the spectrum.
According to an article published in the New York Times, there is concern that the change in diagnostic label will discourage some individuals from seeking a diagnosis. For example, an individual who is able to communicate and socialize fairly well and who may have previously received an Asperger's diagnosis, may not seek diagnosis because he or she doesn't believe they have "Autism" because they can talk and communicate. Another challenge may be who receives government benefits under the new diagnostic categories. According to the New York Times, some states provide state services for individuals diagnosed with Autism, but not individuals diagnosed with Asperger's or PDD-NOS.
The APA has yet to make an ultimate decision about the changes, and will solicit feedback from the public before making the changes final.
So, what do you think? Is there a concern that fewer individuals will seek diagnosis under the new label? Do you believe there will be other problems associated with it? What do you see as the benefits?
Have a peaceful holiday,
Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed.
http://www.PositivelyAutism.com/
References
A Powerful Identity, a Vanishing Diagnosis (New York Times, November 2, 2009): http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03asperger.html
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: http://www.psych.org/MainMenu/Research/DSMIV.aspx
Report of the DSM-V Neurodevelopmental Disorders Work Group: http://www.psych.org/MainMenu/Research/DSMIV/DSMV/DSMRevisionActi...
