Search This Blog

Sunday, February 5, 2012

New Proposed DSM 5 Autism Guidelines

used by permission
New Proposed DSM 5 Autism Guidelines


At first when I looked at the proposed new autism guidelines I was struck by how similar they look to the current guidelines.  

Then I looked a little further at the proposed DSM 5 guidelines for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.  That's when I realized that the new functionality clause has implications as does the previous three-year old clause.  

With this discovery I decided to look into the reasons for coming up with the new, slightly changed guidelines.  It is clear to me that there are going to be some individuals who are currently classified within the autism spectrum who might be excluded from this diagnosis by these new guidelines. There may well be a group of individuals who fit the current ASD diagnosis guidelines and who are currently able to function within our society because of the assistance provided by social assistance agencies and currently by law covered by insurance. These individuals may not quite fit the proposed new guidelines for Autism and might lose that assistance which enabled them to function. For them the proposed autism diagnosis guidelines would be a tragedy.  

I asked myself the question: could the American Psychiatric Association be intending to try to lower the numeric incidence (and prevalence) of autism spectrum disorder by adding the functional status clause and before age 3 clause and thereby artificially cover-up or hide the mushrooming epidemic we have been facing? Could the reason behind the proposed changes to the old guidelines be because there is incentive to lower the burden on support associations and insurance corporations?  This could have the appearance of impropriety or collusion. I just don’t want to think that, especially from such a respected organization as the APA. Asperger’s is frequently diagnosed after age four when social settings become more demanding. The proposed new criteria would certainly not fit all Asperger’s individuals and may leave off some who will need assistance to be independently functional in society. 

I am clear on the idea that the old criteria are not as much of a spectrum as the real world cases manifest, and this leads to some confusion over exactly which of the DSM-IV neurodevelopmental disorders a particular individual fits if they exhibit behaviors on the “border” between more than one of the current categories. Since the revision process has been in place for a long time, I feel we should work hard to be inclusive of care and not exclude any of the least among us even if they are affected the least within their diagnosis spectrum.

Jonathan Murphy, MD

11 comments:

  1. Visit Our Chiropractic Neck Adjustment Chiropractic Clinic in River Oaks Houston. Your first Chiropractic Adjustment is only $19.00 and we offer extremely affordable monthly plans.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Visit Our Chiropractic Clinic in Memorial Houston. Your first Chiropractic Adjustment is only $19.00 and we offer an extremely affordable monthly plan at our best chiropractor in houston.

    ReplyDelete
  3. At The Joint-Bunker Hill, there are no X-rays, no appointments and no hidden fees. Make us your local Chiropractor, we're in Bunker Hill TX Texas providing affordable chiropractic services every day. The Joint brings easily accessible healthcare and affordable chiropractic services to locally owned and operated clinics nationwide.

    ReplyDelete
  4. At the HoustonDietDoctor, Diet Designs program offer Quick Weight Loss the most effective Weight Loss plan in Houston center. Our weight loss programs incorporate real whole foods, moderate exercise, and behavior modification.Don't weight get started today.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The World Health Organization defined health in its broader sense in 1946 as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Health care interventions and a persons surroundings, a number of other factors are known to influence the health status of individuals, including their background, lifestyle, and economic and social conditions; these are referred to as determinants of health.Thanks.
    Regards,
    cb 1 weight gainer

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is beautiful post.I am impressed on reading it.Can you more share at here.I will come back as soon.


    Thanks for more info......






    Pure Argan Oil

    ReplyDelete
  8. I really impressed with the guidelines here for autism. Obgyn mountain view, ca

    ReplyDelete
  9. Many thanks for the exciting blog posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you are a brilliant writer.  I actually added your blog to my favorites and will look forward for more updates.
    Epoxy coatings NYC

    ReplyDelete
  10. There are some natural remedies that can be used in the prevention and eliminate diabetes totally. However, the single most important aspect of a diabetes control plan is adopting a wholesome life style Inner Peace, Nutritious and Healthy Diet, and Regular Physical Exercise. A state of inner peace and self-contentment is essential to enjoying a good physical health and over all well-being. The inner peace and self contentment is a just a state of mind.People with diabetes diseases often use complementary and alternative medicine. I diagnosed diabetes in 2010. Was at work feeling unusually tired and sleepy. I borrowed a cyclometer from a co-worker and tested at 760. Went immediately to my doctor and he gave me prescription like: Insulin ,Sulfonamides,Thiazolidinediones but Could not get the cure rather to reduce the pain but brink back the pain again. i found a woman testimony name Comfort online how Dr Akhigbe cure her HIV  and I also contacted the doctor and after I took his medication as instructed, I am now completely free from diabetes by doctor Akhigbe herbal medicine.So diabetes patients reading this testimony to contact his email     drrealakhigbe@gmail.com   or his Number   +2348142454860   He also use his herbal herbs to diseases like:SPIDER BITE, SCHIZOPHRENIA, LUPUS,EXTERNAL INFECTION, COMMON COLD, JOINT PAIN, EPILEPSY,STROKE,TUBERCULOSIS ,STOMACH DISEASE. ECZEMA, PROGENITOR, EATING DISORDER, LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTION,  DIABETICS,HERPES,HIV/AIDS, ;ALS,  CANCER , MENINGITIS,HEPATITIS A AND B,ASTHMA, HEART DISEASE, CHRONIC DISEASE. NAUSEA VOMITING OR DIARRHEA,KIDNEY DISEASE. HEARING LOSSDr Akhigbe is a good man and he heal any body that come to him. here is email    drrealakhigbe@gmail.com    and his Number +2349010754824

    ReplyDelete