Urgent Diagnostic Changes to Autism: what parents need to know

By Lisa Ackerman

I am deeply saddened to see the new DSM 5 criteria for how autism spectrum disorders will be diagnosed. TACA has been alerting families, pushing for parent feedback and revisions to these new criteria since December 2011.

Please read how this will affect your lives http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/dsm-v-goes-forward-major-shift-in-diagnostic-criteria-for-autism-spectrum-disorder-approved/

Even Allen Frances, Professor Emeritus from Duke University has sounded out on this important issue:

The Board of Trustees of the American Psychiatric Association has given its final approval to a deeply flawed DSM-5 containing many changes that seem clearly unsafe and scientifically unsound (1.)

While, we need to see what happens once changes occur in May 2013 we can only project the outcome based on available research. The current research demonstrates many who need a diagnosis and help may no longer qualify for any help.

This new criteria will affect many families lives. It will make it harder for us to compare the surveyed autism rates. Worse, it will possible prevent many from receiving help that could be life changing. Once again my heart aches for families living with autism. We need a break in our favor.

References

1)      http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allen-frances/dsm-5_b_2227626.html