In order for the New Autism Spectrum Disorder to be diagnosed pursuant to the DSM-5, Criteria A, B, C, and D must all be met. That is what the DSM-5 says according to the dsm5.org web site. But will Criteria D, Symptoms together limit and impair everyday functioning actually be present in practice? Or will psychiatrists and psychologists diagnose Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder without any real limit or impairment in everyday functioning?
I had previously asked if any of the well known, apparently very high functioning persons with autism or Asperger's Disorder would lose their diagnoses under the new criteria. The other side of the coin, of course, is the possibility that Criteria D will not be required in practice.
I have met persons with Aspergers who clearly have limitations in everyday functioning and I am not suggesting that anyone with Aspergers could not really meet a limited and impaired everyday functioning test. There are, however, some very successful persons with a high functioning autism or Aspergers disorder who do not have any obvious limit or impairment including some who can function in high level government, legal and media settings. Presumably everyday functioning is an everyday, common sense, criterion. But how some of these people were diagnosed with an ASD even under the current DSM-IV criteria is beyond my understanding as a layperson. Given the careers that some have built as spokespersons for the autism community, will public pressure be exerted for professionals to go easy on Criteria D in diagnosing the New Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Will Critieria D actually be required in practice in diagnosing the New Autism Spectrum Disorder under the DSM-5? I guess the answer will be found in future prevalence studies and debates.
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