DSM-V and the Autism Diagnosis: Is The Change Hurting Children?
When the DSM-5 replaced the DSM-IV-TR in 2013, it consolidated previously separate diagnoses, including Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, and PDD-NOS, under the single umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The change sparked significant concern among families and clinicians: would children who previously qualified under Asperger's or PDD-NOS lose their diagnosis and, with it, access to services? The clinical debate that followed was significant. In practice, outcomes have been mixed, some individuals did lose diagnoses, while others were unaffected. What's clear is that accurate, individualized evaluation matters more than ever in the post-DSM-5 landscape. Autism Centers of Pittsburgh provides thorough evaluations that account for the full clinical picture. Visit our Autism FAQ or contact us for more information.