DSM-5 proposed criteria for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis
Monday, January 23, 2012 - 06:30
in Psychology & Sociology
(Medical Xpress) -- The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has proposed new diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for autism. While final decisions are still months away, the recommendations reflect the work of dozens of the nations top scientific and research minds and are supported by more than a decade of intensive study and analysis. The proposal by the DSM-5 Neurodevelopmental Work Group recommends a new category called autism spectrum disorder which would incorporate several previously separate diagnoses, including autistic disorder, Aspergers disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.