DSM-5 Controversy

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 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 new category called “Autism Spectrum Disorders,” which combined previous diagnoses of “autistic disorder” and “Asperger’s syndrome.”

Use the following keywords in the Google or Google Scholar search engine:

DSM-5 controversy and Autism

After reading the brief introduction of the DSM-5 controversy and completing the google search description and following the directions to search for the suggested keywords related to the topic of DSM-5 changes and Autism Spectrum Disorders, consider the question(s) below. Then “submit” your response.

Question 1

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

A.
B.
C.
D.

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

Question 2

The DSM-5 has collapsed what symptoms into the same criteria, changing the required criteria from 3 to 2?

A.
B.
C.
D.

The DSM-5 has collapsed what symptoms into the same criteria, changing the required criteria from 3 to 2?

Question 3

With the new DSM-5, which of the following is true about the condition formerly known as Autism?

A.
B.
C.
D.

With the new DSM-5, which of the following is true about the condition formerly known as Autism?

Question 4

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

What are the possible research implications now that there are no longer distinct diagnoses for forms of Autism under the new DSM-5?
One possible answer might have to do with research. 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 Autism Spectrum Disorders, rather than on specific disorders, which might require different research protocols.

Question 5

What could be one issue related to a child or adult previously diagnosed with PDD-NOS, Asperger’s syndrome, or Autistic Disorder no longer meeting the criteria given in the DSM-5?

What could be one issue related to a child or adult previously diagnosed with PDD-NOS, Asperger’s syndrome, or Autistic Disorder no longer meeting the criteria given in the DSM-5?
One possible answer would involve the important issue of patient eligibility for accommodations in work and educational settings, as well as in intervention.