I sincerely hope if you are considering getting your child evaluated for any spectrum disorder, you have either already done so, or have an appointment to do so. Proposed changes in the DSM diagnostic manual, with regard to autism spectrum disorders are in the works. Change is a commin'. There will no longer be say a category for PPD-NOS, or Aspergers, but only a diagnosis of "autism." In other words, you either are, or you are not, and there are no gray areas which can lead to a similar diagnosis, as there are now.
The diagnosis will require more check off's on the list, rather than say 6 out of 12 behaviors. In other words, the definition for an autism diagnosis will become much more narrower, and will affect (more than likely in an adverse way), the higher functioning, children. So what will this mean for those children? No diagnosis, no services, no insurance coverage for those services, and no support in the classroom with regard to an autism diagnosis.
Both my children have aspergers as I have mentioned before. One was diagnosed young, and one not so young. Both have received services, which has changed their lives for the better. If they had not qualified, or were denied based on their high functioning ALONE, I am not sure where we would be, not only as a family, but how they are doing in society and school. Here is the "new proposed definition" of autism. To me, it looks very similar to the old standard, and my kids still would have gotten the diagnosis, BEFORE having any intervention. I am sure one of these reasons for changing the definition, is because so many children are being diagnosed these days, which is costing the insurance companies a fine penny I would bet. By narrowing the field, less money will need to be shelled out. I sincerely hope that children who have already been diagnosed and are receiving services would NOT be, nor forced to be, re-evaluated. Re-evaluation would run in the range of millions of people. Millions! If they were to be re-evaluated, and did not qualify for a diagnosis anymore BECAUSE the services were making a difference in their lives, then what happens? Do they no longer get help? No more social skills or OT, or speech? We aren't taking a cold here.
One day you have a spectrum disorder, and one day you don't. My sons are not going to wake up one day and cry, "Hey Mom, guess what? I'm asperger free!" Sounds to me like someone, or SOMETHING is behind the DSM change. I'm sure it all boils down to money.... it always does. Today's New York times front page writes a great news article regarding this, as well as has helpful links to information you might need.
Hello, my name is SPD Mom. I'm a 37 year old self-employed US.