asperger's and autism

[mickeym]

The draft for the new edition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) now officially incorporates Asperger's Syndrome into the autism spectrum. It's been (unofficially) considered a part of the spectrum for a while, but this cements it.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123527833&sc=fb&cc=fp

Comments

[hunters-retreat.livejournal.com]

I heard about that from my support group yesterday. I don't know how I feel about it. My son is on the spectrum so it doesn't really affect him. I know some people are excited about it, because in California, Aspergers doesn't get the same support that ASD does.

How do you feel about it?

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

I'm actually really okay with it. The school district changed their criteria a while back, combining Aspergers and Autism under one category, so his IEP has reflected that for the last...gosh, three or four years, I think. I don't see it making any real difference in the level of services he qualifies for (since he receives SSI now, all his medical is covered under Medicaid).

Honestly, at times? It's hard to tell if he's Aspie, or if his Dx should've been autism -- because he has a lot of learning issues that seem more inline with autism. In any case, I think it will probably make things a lot easier and more streamlined for those coming into the autism spectrum, and for those who've been denied services up 'til now.

Also, randomly, are you a member of aspecialparent? It's for parents/caregivers of people with disabilities/special needs, and it's pretty awesome.

[hunters-retreat.livejournal.com]

I think it will help a lot of people too, at least in CA. But we haven't heard much to see how people feel about it yet.

And I didn't know about that comm... I went over and applied for membership though. We'll see how it goes.