Dsm-5

[Amina]

What are you views on DSM-5's drop of Asperger's and new classification of "ASD - Level 1?"

 

[King_Oni]

As stated in the shoutbox;

I wasn't aware they had classifications yet. Back in May that was a grey area still.

That said; I think it's a way to easy way out. Not everyone with Asperger's is a mild case. Some are severe. But I guess that they'll label it mild and just tack on OCD and some other disorders instead. And since every disorder has some form of treatment (or so they think), it's totally perfect to expect people to fork out loads of cash for a dozen treatments because they are labelled with a dozen.

As for myself; I don't think I'm mild. At least, compared to people on forums. Yes, I have some traits that make me look less of an aspie. But I guess to counter that there's a lot of stuff that proves problematic as is way beyond what's the norm for aspies. Reading on a forum here, there's a fair share of aspies that finished college or uni and held jobs for a big part. I'm clearly no success in either. Should I blame it on my Aspergers? Maybe... I could just as well name it pathological laziness or a pathlogical deficit to fit in, but since anything pathological requires a therapist, there we go again. More classifications. And I doubt it would help in either case. Yet, there have been pointers, looking at my past that fit in perfectly with people on the spectrum and why certain things went the way they went. Like I adressed in the shoutbox; one of the major reasons why I'm not labeled with autism was because I had no delay in language. In fact I spoke way before what's seen as the norm. But therapists concluded that because of the lack of a few things I fit more into Asperger's rather than autism. But it didn't make me less severe. I ended up with anywhere from 42 to 44 on the AQ-scale, where 50 is the max. So it's safe to conclude I belong on the spectrum.

The notion of calling aspies a level 1 classification and thus all of them are "mild" seems ludicrous.

 

[Judge]

This is the sort of thing I have deep suspicions about. That a great deal of lobbying may have taken place by the US insurance community with the intent of deliberately devaluing this affliction to limit future indemnification. That it comes down to money rather than medical ethics.

My case my constitute a "mild" case of A/S, but somehow such a description doesn't adequately address my pain and frustration over a lifetime. I'm not looking for financial compensation, but this just peeves me to no end to professionally play down the impact of A/S in such a manner. It just appears a little too financially convenient for an industry facing some serious issues in the very near future.

Or should I have posted this response in the paranoia thread?

 

[Geordie]

Very few people I know even discuss the new social communication disorder. It is autism minus the restricted interests and repetitive behavior. This, to me, is the significant change in DSM-5. It simply defines medically what we are. Localisation is indeed a great skill, and an important function for human beings and, I think, animals. But it seems that restricted interests and repetitive behavior locks us out of many opportunities. At least we know they come in our employment, sexual and even familial issues. How about the unique opportunities we people with autism present, though?

I think this is the unique point of autism. We may have repetitive behavior, we may have serious unemployment issues, and we have insecurities surrounding our diagnoses. However, think of it this way, if somehow our restricted interests and repetitive behavior aligns that of societal goals to create more value and wealth for the wider society, and that we are given a supportive setting to better give our best to the world, wouldn't it give us a higher chance and more opportunities for success?

It will take time, but I think DSM-5 does bring more opportunities ahead for all of us.

 

[Arashi222]

I know people get their panties in a twist over Autism speaks however...they had the first full criterion for ASD and the Social communication criterion. Here they are from their site plus the link if you want to read it your self and not take my word for it. I thought you all would like to see the severity levels they are now using to DX ASD with specification. DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria | What is Autism?/Diagnosis | Autism Speaks

Table 2 Severity levels for autism spectrum disorder

Severity level


Social communication


Restricted, repetitive behaviors
Level 1
"Requiring very substantial support?

Severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills cause severe impairments in functioning, very limited initiation of social interactions, and minimal response to social overtures from others. For example, a person with few words of intelligible speech who rarely initiates interaction and, when he or she does, makes unusual approaches to meet needs only and responds to only very direct social approaches

Inflexibility of behavior, extreme difficulty coping with change, or other restricted/repetitive behaviors markedly interfere with functioning in all spheres. Great distress/difficulty changing focus or action.
Level 2
"Requiring substantial support?

Marked deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills; social impairments apparent even with supports in place; limited initiation of social interactions; and reduced or abnormal responses to social overtures from others. For example, a person who speaks simple sentences, whose interaction is limited to narrow special interests, and how has markedly odd nonverbal communication.

Inflexibility of behavior, difficulty coping with change, or other restricted/repetitive behaviors appear frequently enough to be obvious to the casual observer and interfere with functioning in a variety of contexts. Distress and/or difficulty changing focus or action.
Level 3
"Requiring support?

Without supports in place, deficits in social communication cause noticeable impairments. Difficulty initiating social interactions, and clear examples of atypical or unsuccessful response to social overtures of others. May appear to have decreased interest in social interactions. For example, a person who is able to speak in full sentences and engages in communication but whose to- and-fro conversation with others fails, and whose attempts to make friends are odd and typically unsuccessful.

 

[asnlifecoach]

I honestly don't even believe a diagnosis belongs in the DSM. Autism isn't a mental disorder, it is a social disability to varying degrees. Deafness, blindness, etc. are not considered mental disorders. The reason DSM V changed the definition was to ensure that everyone would be included in government services. That's the only purpose. Will it help awareness? Will it help understanding of Autism? No, but in terms of people getting the care they are entitled to, possibly. Will it slow down the progression of proper care? Probably. Pros and cons.