Changes to DSM-5. Asperger's.

[bubblesinthebath]

I am new here and was wondering if someone could please tell me what will happen when the changes take affect. My son has Asperger's and from what I have read it will no longer exist, so what will happen to his Diagnosis? will it change to ASD or will it remain the same? I have also come across ASC does this mean the changes have already taken place or has this always been used? I am not very good on computers and I don't seem to be able to find an exact answer anywhere. When I have mentioned Asperger's recently I was looked at as though I had lost my marbles and asked if it was Asperger's he was diagnosed with and not ASD, even though I knew it was I went back to double check his report to make sure I hadn't got it wrong.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

The dx will stay the same. Don't fret.

If you wanted him reassessed he would probably be re-dx with ASC and then a couple of indicators about his IQ and language.

[bubblesinthebath]

ok thanks that makes more sense than what I have read. It has taken a long time to get to this diagnosis so I was panicking in case it was going to be removed again. It was the look I got when I mentioned Asperger's I felt as though the lady thought I was full of it, even had me questioning myself.

[Inappropriatelyemployed]

When DS got dx'd three years ago, I asked them to specify Asperger's - an autistic spectrum disorder. Your diagnosis will still be valid but you could get the doctor to clarify this in writing.

The term ASC is now generally used in place of ASD.

The nature of research at present is pointing to a removal of the idea of high-functioning or low functioning but looking at autism as a condition which may, or may not, be accompanied by intellectual impairment/language delay. It is better to see AS in those terms.

Research is also pointing to the importance of sensory processing as an intellectual and neurologically identifiable core difference between the 'NT' and the person with autism.

Interestingly, the most recent research also demonstrates that the rates of so-called 'emergence' (progress/development over time) seem to be the same as those identified by Kanner irrespective of the application of intensive and multiple therapies, suggesting that the answer lies in the genes, the environment, and the level of intellectual opportunity.

A very interesting summary of the recent state of research, diagnostic criteria and interventions can be found here