“If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn.” - Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas

DSM-5: The Fate of Asperger’s Syndrome – Here’s What You Need to Know

Isa was thirteen years old when we received the official autism diagnosis. It was confusing but somehow it was a relief as well. For many years, I visited psychologists who refused to listen to my concern. I would describe the symptoms but no one would listen to me.

For years Isa had shown symptoms but the psychologists would label it other things such as depression and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). Our struggles took us to the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities where after extensive testing, we were finally provided a diagnosis.

In 2013, the year of Isa’s diagnosis, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). In the past, individuals at the extreme ends of the autism spectrum were diagnosed with conditions such as Asperger’s Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. To describe individuals with milder symptoms of autism, terms such as high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome were used, although they were not official medical diagnoses. These terms were still used by parents and professionals in the field. With the release of the DSM-5, these diagnoses have been grouped together under the umbrella term “Autism Spectrum Disorders.” The diagnosis now includes a level of severity. What was once referred to as high-functioning autism or Asperger’s is now classified as ASD Level 1.

Isa had to wait many years for a diagnosis because of the lack of tools to help professionals identify the disorder. Diagnosis rates for autism are on the rise and early detection of autism spectrum disorders is of utmost importance regardless of the terms used. However, knowing the symptoms can help parents and patients get an accurate diagnosis.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 (Aspergers, High Functioning Autism) have unique diagnostic profiles, and their symptoms vary from one child to another. However, the new criteria require people to have persistent deficits in two areas:

Social communication and social interaction

Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior

Children with ASD encounter many challenges but the proper diagnosis could bring many benefits. It can provide an explanation for their challenges, which can be a relief for both the child and their family. A diagnosis can also help parents and caregivers understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses better and provide the necessary support and interventions to help them reach their full potential.

I invite you to follow me for more information on the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.