Definition of Autism Changing
Local News
by
Brittany Scheck
last edited on
Thursday, February 02, 2012
The manual that all doctors use to diagnose behavioral disorders is changing the definition of autism.
With new, stricter guidelines, it could be harder for people who no longer meet the criteria to get the aid they need.
Experts at the American Psychiatric Association are revising the definition of autism, making it more difficult to qualify for the condition.
Under current criteria, patients must exhibit at least six of twelve behaviors.
The new criteria would require patients to show three deficits in social interaction and communication, and at least two repetitive behaviors.
Experts say people with high-functioning forms of the condition will no longer be diagnosed with autism, which could affect their ability to qualify for government aid.
Danny Watt, Father of autistic child, says, "I feel it’s really difficult to pinpoint it to one diagnosis, and if we do I worry that some of those kids that would have been on the outreach of that diagnosis are going to miss out on the services that they need.”
Experts estimate half of autism patients who are high-functioning, meaning they have a normal IQ, would no longer be considered autistic under the new definition.
Dennis Hankin of the Autism Society of the Black Hills says the benefit of breaking down the definition is that it should help parents to understand the way their children learn.