Yesterday the World of Psychology blog had a piece on the new DSM removing Asperger's as a specific diagnosis. Instead it what was Asperger's would just be moved to "mild Autism." The rumor is the DSM is moving to more continous, spectrum classifications. For example, severe Autism, moderate Autism, mild Autism. So is Asperger's the same as mild Autism?
Personally, I think the Pervasive Developmental Disordered needed to be broken up and defined more clearly. I do think Asperger's is different than high functioning Autism. The main diagnosistic difference right now is presence of language (vs. a speech delay) at age 3. But how does knowing that provide any difference in treatment?
I believe that one day the Autism Spectrum Disorders will be distinguished based on neurobiological differences. Some of these individuals have severe bowel issues. I know individuals with mitochondrial disorders, chromosonal deletions, severe allergies. By looking at them in this way, it is easier to match treatments.
What do you think?
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