DSM-V and Autism: Don't Fret
When early drafts of the DSM-5 criteria for autism were circulated, they sparked significant parental anxiety, particularly among families of children with Asperger's Syndrome and PDD-NOS who feared their children would lose their diagnoses under the new framework. This post offered early reassurance. In retrospect, the transition to the DSM-5's unified Autism Spectrum Disorder category did affect some individuals' diagnoses, but the overall impact on services was less dramatic than many feared. The broader lesson is that diagnostic criteria evolve, but the clinical needs of autistic individuals and their families do not disappear. Autism Centers of Pittsburgh provides accurate, current evaluations under DSM-5 criteria. Visit our Autism FAQ or contact us to learn more.