A Little Something on Recent DSM-V Revisions on Autism

By now most of you know that Asperger's Syndrome will no longer be known by that name, but be confined into Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Ok, so what's the problem?

Well, according to some the rewording of what constitutes as ASD eliminates some that need this diagnosis, because they don't quite fit what the new DSM might deem as ASD.

How will this affect those that already are diagnosed with Asperger's and those that are getting benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid/Medicare?  From what I understand, once you are considered disabled, unless the doctor thinks you really can work and that is all between you and your doctor.  A doctor is not going to change whether you still qualify as disabled unless he and you truly see that you can work and that there are no obstacles in your way.  Your benefits stay.

How does this affect those that may need the diagnosis, because they haven't gotten one and are in need of services either to get into the work force or that they just can't get or keep work, because of the problems Asperger's causes them to have?  Again I'm going to have to go with the fact that this is between you and your doctor.  It's what he thinks.  As far as I can tell the DSM is a guide.  He decides whether you fit the criteria.  He decides if you fit the symptoms and he decides whether or not you need the diagnosis.  It's nothing but a guide and it's not whether you fit them exactly.  If you need it for benefits and he or she feels that you are disabled enough to get some kind of diagnosis, he/she is going to give you one that fits.  Likely it will be ASD.  The book is there to help the doctor, but the doctor has the ultimate say in the matter.  The DSM is not exactly law.  It's not worded to be precise.  So again it is up to the doctor whether it is needed.

So should you be worried about the changes to DSM-V?  Probably not.  If you feel it necessary to bring up to your doctor or someone higher up that might have to do with this manual, by all means do that, but I really don't think this changes anything, really.