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What Does the End of Asperger's Mean?

One expert calls it “Autism Lite,” while another uses

the phrase, “close-but-no-cigar-autism.”

 

They are referring to “social communications disorder,” the new classification in theDSM-5, the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) diagnostic manual, often referred to as the "bible of psychiatry," that ropes in Asperger's Syndrome under that one umbrella. The new DSM-5 will be in effect in May, 2013. The thick manual is used to diagnose mental illness and to thus, determine who receives support

services, such as speech therapy, occupational

therapy, physical therapy and social/emotional

skills training.

 

To read full story, click HERE 

NBC TODAY 

 

Farewell to Aspies: Some families

reluctant to let go of Asperger's diagnosis

 

The news that the term “Asperger’s syndrome”will soon cease to exist has some parents concerned – especially parents raising “Aspie” children.

 

Starting May 2013, the American Psychiatric Association’s new diagnostic manual, known as the DSM-5, will go into effect, stripping the well-known condition – a condition sometimes associated with loner geniuses like Albert Einstein and Andy Warhol -- of its name.

 

Instead, Asperger’s syndrome will simply be known as ASD-Level 1 (mild), a top rung in the ladder of autism spectrum disorders. For those who viewed an Asperger’s diagnosis as light-years away from clinical autism, this new classification may feel like a fall from grace.

 

To read full story, click HERE 

 

PATCH.com