Everyone has by now seen the new DSM-V. It removes a "separate" category for Aspergers and PDD-NOS and puts it under Autism. The end effect is that Aspergers will no longer be considered a separate diagnoses. It was and still is for many a " gateway" diagnosis to autism.
It has been a great benefit to Autistic Advocacy. It allowed those who can almost pass for normal to be identified to join others in advocacy. My biggest fear is that it will encourage under diagnosises. I even fear this is the very intent! The voices of those who wish to control the debate and profit by it have been drowned out. You feel it in their very anger when some of them shout out "you dont really have autism".
Imagine what if that was the original format for the DSM-IV, How many would have gone undiagnosed or even wrongly diagnosed through ignorance of the specialist???
It has been a great benefit to Autistic Advocacy. It allowed those who can almost pass for normal to be identified to join others in advocacy. My biggest fear is that it will encourage under diagnosises. I even fear this is the very intent! The voices of those who wish to control the debate and profit by it have been drowned out. You feel it in their very anger when some of them shout out "you dont really have autism".
Imagine what if that was the original format for the DSM-IV, How many would have gone undiagnosed or even wrongly diagnosed through ignorance of the specialist???
