In previous Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals of mental disorders, experts talked of various types of autism such as Asperger’s syndrome, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). However, in DSM-5, these disorders are referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The difference is that while the previous manuals split the disorders into categories, DSM-5 weighs them on a scale according to their severity (Autism Live, 2013). The shift means that assessing students with ASD translates to rating them on a scale in the order of the severity of their condition. Individuals suffering from these disorders experience communication, social and behavioral challenges. However, in the new definition, these challenges can be described as mild, severe, or can lie in-between.
On the milder end of the autism spectrum is the Asperger’s syndrome. A person with this condition may be very intelligent, and can handle daily life activities with ease. However, he or she may focus too much on topics of interest and discuss them nonstop, and may as well experience a hard time socially ( National Institute of Mental Health, 2018) . PDD-NOS diagnosis involves individuals whose autism is more severe than Asperger’s syndrome but less severe than autistic disorder. Lastly, autistic disorder is placed at a further end of the spectrum than Asperger’s and PDD-NOS. The symptoms are similar to the aforementioned conditions but occur at a more intense level.
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How The Definition Affects The Identification Of ASD And Whether It Is A Step Forward Or A Step Back.
Therefore, the definition of ASD by DSM-5 makes it easier for autistic disorders to be managed according to their severity. The identification of autism does not change in DSM-5 because assessment is based on the same aspects; social, communication, and behavioral challenges (Alli, 2018). When the condition is mild (Asperger’s syndrome), and is identified early enough, it can be managed so that it does not advance to more severe stages. Evidently, it is a positive step in assessing ASD. In previous DSM editions, the isolation of the categories was erroneous and only led to the treatment of the same disorder in its different stages. In DSM-5, autism can be treated early enough, hence preventing its development to more severe stages.
References
Alli, R. (2018). What Are the Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders? WebMD . Retrieved 28 January 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-spectrum-disorders
Autism Live. (2013). Autism Diagnosis Criteria in the DSM-V . YouTube . Retrieved 28 January 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILiX9gGd0Ik
National Institute of Mental Health . (2018). Autism Spectrum Disorder . Nimh.nih.gov . Retrieved 28 January 2019, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
