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This week I want to focus on the conversations surrounding the proposed DSM-V changes for Autism diagnoses. There is a lot of panic and misunderstanding surrounding these changes and I think it is very important to explore this topic if you have a Family Member with an Autism related diagnosis.

For example I originally thought it would not affect Matthew because

1. He has already been diagnosed

• Not true because they are periodically re-evaluated and the new criteria will be used.

2. He is not Asperger’s; he is diagnosed as classic Autism

• When he is re-evaluated he could be moved into Social Communication Disorder and I think that would mean he would lose some very important services like job support.

Much still to research but here are the best resources I have found so far:

New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests

This is the article that started me to wonder about how this might affect Matthew.

DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Facebook page

This is an excellent place to see the latest information regarding the proposed changes.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.

The DSM-V and Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD

Two excellent interviews from The Coffee Klatch:

Join guests Dr Temple Grandin, Rebecca Banks and Diane Kennedy authors of  ”Bright Not Broken – Gifted Kids ADHD and Autism” as they discuss the upcoming changes to the DSMV and how it could affect children and adults on the spectrum.

Listen to internet radio with The Coffee Klatch on Blog Talk Radio

Dr Allen Frances – The DSM V

Dr Allen Frances Chair of the DSM-IV Task Force returns to discuss the confusion and concerns over the soon to be released DSMV.  How will the changes impact your child?  What do the changes mean for your childs accommodations?  Why are so many additions and revisions causing so much controversy?

Listen to internet radio with The Coffee Klatch on Blog Talk Radio

DSM 5 Autism Criteria: Clarifying Impact, Taking Action

Interview with Dr. Gil Tippy, Clinical Director of The Rebecca School, Manhattan, New York

The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism has a number of other articles on the DSM-V so you might want to explore their sight further.

Letter From Michael John Carley on the DSM-V Revisions 

The letters are tremendous, and the calls are having an impact. Please keep it up…letters and phone calls. And if this will really effect you; if your child is at risk of losing their education funding, if you or a loved one are at risk of losing housing, health, or employment services; or if you’re simply a fellow spectrumite who worries about having your behavioral differences lumped back into the category of personal defect rather than wiring…

Panic Over DSM-5 Changes in Autism Diagnosis

Landon Bryce makes some very interesting counter points to some of the concerns of opponents to the changes on thAutCast.com

Proposed DSM-5 Changes & Autism: Future Implications

Elise Ronan has written what I think is one of the most important articles on the potential impact of the changes. It also links to other articles on Special Education Advisor regarding the proposed changes.

This new definition, which has the possibility of undiagnosing the overwhelming majority of those who have been dxed in the last twenty years, means that society has no obligation to help you or your child, no matter how much you pay in taxes, no matter how good a citizen you happen to be, no matter how many years you served in the armed forces. Your insurance company does not have to either pay for services or reimburse you. The state, or federal government, does not have to either pay for services or provide your child with access to adult services. There was a terrible dirth of adult services for autistics before and the ones that were out there serviced so very few. Now the programs will have no need to grow, change and progress.

If you have found any great resources or stories, please share them in the Comments Section.

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