Changing definitions… Autism and Aspergers

Listening to Radio 4’s regular programme “All in the Mind” on 8th June my attention was grabbed by the interview with Professor Terry Brewer from the University of Leicester, and Daniel Carlat, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine in America.

The discussion centred on the upcoming publication of the 5th edition of “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders” which is currently in consultation, planning and preparation, due for publication in some time in 2012 or 2013.

Of great significance is the recommendation of new categories for learning disorders and a single diagnostic category, “autism spectrum disorders” that will incorporate the current diagnoses of autistic disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder (not otherwise specified).


In other words, the current proposal is that Asperger’s Syndrome, which had only been introduced into the 4th edition of the DSM will no longer exist as a separate diagnosis.


Dr Michael First M.D., Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University added that the definition and diagnosis of Asperger’s “had gone a long way to overcoming the stigma of autism… now if this proposal goes through Asperger’s will evaporate and it will not be possible to differentiate mild from severe cases… ultimately the distinction of high functioning cases will go”.


Grasp, one of the largest Asperger’s support groups in America is following the controversy and debate on their website www.grasp.org including the issues of identity and stigma and lots more besides. I recommend you take a look.


On the radio, the debate continued. Professor Terry Brewer said “the reclassification could be unhelpful as the Asperger’s label opens doors…it could be difficult to see the dividing line between Asperger’s and Autism...the issue was one of a diagnosis being completely missed and that most adults with autism condition are unrecognised”.


Daniel Carlat added that the DSM 5th edition was still work in progress and no decisions have finally been taken as to which diagnoses will be in it and how they will be defined. Over the next year diagnostic criteria will be refined and field testing research will be undertaken.


So no conclusive decisions at this stage and if you are interested in following this issue directly, go to www.dsm5.org


So what do you think…. will this affect your family, your diagnosis?

If you'd like to receive email updates when we post articles, just let me know by emailing me at joy@specialpeoplenorth.org.uk and as ever if you need to call me please do so on 07774 230168
 
Resources:-

Broadcast of “All in the Mind” 8th June 2010, Radio 4

CRB rules may change under coalition government rethink of vetting and barring


With the theme of my last blog (about vetting and barring) in my mind, I wanted to share with you that the new coalition government is reconsidering the system that is due to be phased in from July 2010.


The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) says it has met with senior Government officials to discuss the issues recruiters face with CRB checks and the forthcoming Vetting and Barring Scheme. The scheme is being reviewed by the new Government.

The recently published coalition agreement states:
“We will review the criminal records and vetting and barring regime and scale it back to common sense levels.”


Commenting on potential changes, Anne Fairweather, Head of Public Policy at the REC, said:

"We are pressing home the point that the repeat CRB checking of temporary workers just leads to bureaucracy for agencies and expense to workers. We are fighting for the re-introduction of the portability service, which the CRB used to run, to improve this situation."


In the meantime at Special People North we will ensure that CRB checks are undertaken as normal and will wait eagerly for news about any changes to the new ISA procedures.

If you'd like to receive email updates when we post articles, just let me know by emailing me at joy@specialpeoplenorth.org.uk and as ever if you need to call me please do so on 07774 230168.

Resources:-
Workplace Law Network June 3rd 2010