People with autism already losing out after rule change

• Autores: Helen Thomson
• Localización: New scientist, ISSN 0262-4079, Nº. 2954, 2014, pág. 10
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • When the criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders were changed last May, concerns were raised that the stricter criteria would mean that some people who would benefit from treatment would miss out on a diagnosis. Another concern was that people already diagnosed might be re-evaluated and so lose access to treatments and services. Despite assurances that this wouldn't happen from the American Psychiatric Association, the organization that publishes the criteria, not everyone seems to be toeing the party line. Under the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a person would be diagnosed with ASD by exhibiting at least six of 12 behaviors, which include problems with communication, interaction and repetition. Now, under the DSM-5, that same person would need to exhibit three deficits in social communication and interaction and at least two repetitive behaviors--the latter, say critics, makes the new criteria more restrictive.