New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests

[HuckleB]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/health/research/new-autism-definition-would-exclude-many-study-suggests.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general

"Proposed changes in the definition of autism would sharply reduce the skyrocketing rate at which the disorder is diagnosed and might make it harder for many people who would no longer meet the criteria to get health, educational and social services, a new analysis suggests.

The definition is now being reassessed by an expert panel appointed by the American Psychiatric Association, which is completing work on the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the first major revision in 17 years. The D.S.M., as the manual is known, is the standard reference for mental disorders, driving research, treatment and insurance decisions. Most experts expect that the new manual will narrow the criteria for autism; the question is how sharply.

The results of the new analysis are preliminary, but they offer the most drastic estimate of how tightening the criteria for autism could affect the rate of diagnosis. For years, many experts have privately contended that the vagueness of the current criteria for autism and related disorders like Asperger syndrome was contributing to the increase in the rate of diagnoses — which has ballooned to one child in 100, according to some estimates.

The psychiatrists’ association is wrestling with one of the most agonizing questions in mental health — where to draw the line between unusual and abnormal — and its decisions are sure to be wrenching for some families. At a time when school budgets for special education are stretched, the new diagnosis could herald more pitched battles. Tens of thousands of people receive state-backed services to help offset the disorders’ disabling effects, which include sometimes severe learning and social problems, and the diagnosis is in many ways central to their lives. Close networks of parents have bonded over common experiences with children; and the children, too, may grow to find a sense of their own identity in their struggle with the disorder.

..."


FYI...

[cbayer]

1. It will be interesting to see what they come up with.

That line between unusual and abnormal has been scrutinized many times before, and it has sometimes been a very positive thing for people that have been tagged as ill by both society and the psychiatric community.

The overall impact of this could be very negative. I am hopeful they will proceed thoughtfully.

[HuckleB]

4. Yes, it's a difficult balance, made all the more arduous by the ...

... problems studying the brain and behavior in a solid, scientific manner.

[cbayer]

2. Excellent discussion of this on the Pat Morrison show today - KPCC Los Angeles

The first guest is on the task force looking at this and gave a very good analysis of what they are doing and why they are doing it.

Highly recommended for anyone who has interest in this topic and possible outcomes of the proposed changes.

[xchrom]

3. du rec. nt

[HuckleB]

5. "About That DSM 5 Story" from Autism News Beat

http://autism-news-beat.com/archives/1891

This is a worthy piece on this issue, though it is aimed at reporters.