DSM-5 Criteria for Defining Autism - Assignment Example

In addition, the condition autism is, usually, defined by a common set of behaviors that are evident in the person and hence should be characterised by one term that should only vary according to the severity of the condition (Tanguay. p. 1142).

Because DSM-v criteria combines all the sub diagnoses that were used previously under one condition, Autism spectrum disorder, inconsistencies may be noted to exist between DSM-v diagnoses and databases used for billing. Specific sub diagnoses including Asperger’s contain ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM specific codes. The major change is in the removal of the formal Asperger’s disorder and PDD-NOS diagnoses removal. When re-evaluated, individuals who initially were with these conditions are likely to receive different diagnoses when they visit hospitals for re-evaluation.

This may be confusing for the parents who currently know the diagnoses of their children as well as adults and children who strongly identify with their conditions. The new criteria of DSM-v used for Autism are more thorough and appear strict compared to the initial criteria used for diagnoses. This new criterion, it requires more symptoms to meet the criteria used within the fixated area of interest and the behavior that is repeated. Other changes noted in the new criteria for diagnoses include reorganization.

Currently, communication impairment, social interaction deficits, restricted interests, and repetition of behaviors are the main domains used in diagnosing autism. In the new criteria, there is a combination of social interactions and communication deficits to a single title of social/communication deficits. In addition to this, it is no longer necessary to have a language development delay in the diagnosis of Autism (Mattila et al. p. 583). The new changes made in the diagnosis of Autism in DSM-v are fully based on research, analysis, and the opinion of the experts.

The changes in the revised diagnoses criteria have been made hoping that the new diagnoses made would be more specific, valid, and reliable in coming up with individual diagnoses. Despite the positive hopes that have been put forth by the new DSM-v, concerns have been raised that are very legitimate concerning the impact these changes have on the spectrum of autism diagnosis. Individuals who are higher functioning might not meet the criteria for diagnosis; that is diagnoses are stricter and therefore will have difficulties in accessing the services that were relevant to them.

The questions are still pending on what will happen to the individuals who were with Asperger’s disorder or PDD-NOS. Furthermore, uncertainty exists in regard to how insurance companies, educational services, and the state are going to adopt these new changes (Frazier et al. p. 14). It is very clear that the new changes have an impact on both the families and the individuals who will be diagnosed with the new autism spectrum disorder. The question remains on how the clinicians and diagnosticians are going to use the same criteria in the evaluation of children and the consequent effect it will have on service availability.