DSM-V: Asperger's Syndrome to Be Eliminated; Some Aspies Upset

In a draft released February 10, 2010, the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) has proposed to eliminate the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome and instead group it together with Autism.

The DSM is a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association to assist mental health professionals and government agencies.

Asperger's Syndrome is currently considered, by general consensus, as a high-functioning form of Autism. So while Asperger's Syndrome falls under the Autism spectrum, it was considered its own separate disorder in the DSM-IV.

What are the current criteria for Asperger's Syndrome?

According to the DSM-IV, the diagnostic criteria for Asperger's Syndrome includes a "qualitative impairment in social interaction," such as problems with eye contact, facial expression, body language and posture; a failure to develop friendships; an inability to share common interests or to reciprocate socially or emotionally.

The second diagnostic criteria for Asperger's Syndrome are "restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities," such as an intensely focused preoccupation with certain interests.

These disturbances must create "clinically significant impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning." According to the DSM-IV, what people with Asperger's Syndrome don't experience are delays in language, motor skills, or cognitive abilities.

There is some overlap between the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome and Autism, such as the impairment in social interaction, restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities. However, children suffering from autism also have developmental delays that children with Asperger's Syndrome don't have, such as problems with delayed, or a complete lack of speech and/or imagination.

Why would the American Psychiatric Association move Asperger's Syndrome in with Autism?

According to the FAQ on the DSM-V Web site, the proposal has to do with the criteria to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It states that the symptoms that separated Asperger's Syndrome from Autism in the DSM-IV, the language impairment and/or delay, "is not a necessary criterion for diagnosis of ASD..."

Therefore, anyone who may have previously met the criteria for a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome would now meet the proposed criteria for ASD, thus eliminating the necessity to have two separate entries in the DSM.

Why are people with Asperger's Syndrome upset over the proposal to eliminate the diagnosis?

According to an NPR article, many people with Asperger's Syndrome are in fact proud of their diagnosis. The article goes on to state that Aspies enjoy the fact that they share common traits with notable historic figures who may have had Asperger's Syndrome, like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, several American presidents, and artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Beethoven, and Elvis.

Even Bill Gates and Henry Ford may or may not have Asperger's Syndrome. Who wouldn't want to be included and have something in common with these people?

What can this mean for people currently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome?

While some Aspies are upset over the American Psychiatric Association's decision to move Asperger's Syndrome in with Autism in the DSM-V, this decision could lead to increased assistance for children and adults who suffer from Asperger's Syndrome.

When I first suspected my son had Asperger's Syndrome, I spoke with the administrator at his preschool. She told me very plainly that I did not want a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome because it wasn't officially considered a form of Autism. She told me that a diagnosis of Autism would be better for Sam because then I would get more assistance.

It should be noted that the proposed changes to the DSM-V are not final, according to the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-V Task Force.

Click here for more information by this author about Asperger's Syndrome.

Sources:

"Asperger's Officially Placed Inside Autism Spectrum", NPR.org

"DSM-IV, Diagnostic Criteria for 299.80 Asperger's Disorder", Autreat.com

"DSM-IV, Diagnostic Criteria for 299.00 Autistic Disorder", Autreat.com

"Famous People with Asperger's Syndrome", Disabled-World.com

"American Psychiatric Association DSM-5 Development, 299.80 Asperger's Disorder", DSM5.org