Research Exercise DSM-5 Controversy

true

You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.

Research Exercise

DSM-5 Controversy

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was published in May 2013, and with its publication came a surge of controversy and debate. Many clinicians and researchers voiced concern over the various additions, deletions, and changes within the DSM-5. Of specific concern was the addition of a category called “Autism Spectrum Disorders,” which combined previous diagnoses of “autistic disorder” and “Asperger’s syndrome.” Many who disagree with this integration believe that the diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders and Asperger’s syndrome should be two distinct diagnoses, rather than a continuum of symptoms. This has led to a divide among child- focused and adolescent-focused practitioners in the diagnoses of these disorders.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/autism-new-criteria/

After reading the Scientific American article, “Redefining Autism: Will New DSM-5 Criteria for ASD Exclude Some People?” consider the questions below. Then submit your responses.

1 of 5

What is one potential advantage of this change from autism and Asperger’s syndrome diagnoses to the Autism Spectrum Disorders diagnosis in the DSM-5?

2 of 5

The DSM-5 has collapsed which of the following symptoms into the same criteria, changing the required criteria from three to two?

3 of 5

In the DSM-5, which of the following is TRUE about the condition formerly referred to as autism?

4 of 5

What are the possible research implications now that there are no longer distinct diagnoses for forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders under the DSM-5?

One possible answer is that current research may not be easily compared to previous research, since prior studies looked at differences between autism, PDD-NOS, and Asperger’s syndrome. Now the diagnosis is on a continuum of disorders, rather than on specific disorders, which might require different research protocols.

5 of 5

Name an issue related to a child or an adult who was previously diagnosed with PDD-NOS, Asperger’s syndrome, or autistic disorder no longer meeting the criteria as given in the DSM-5.

One possible answer is the important issue of patient eligibility for accommodations in work and educational settings, as well as in intervention.

Note: Web links in this activity lead you to external sites. Some URLs change frequently and may appear as broken links. If you encounter a broken link, visit our Web Links page to see if a replacement link is provided or try searching for the article or organization in your Web browser. To report a broken link, contact technical support through the help option in LaunchPad.