A new study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry finds that the number of cases of "autism," would decrease now that the diagnostic requirements have been changed. Overall researchers found that 83 percent of the children who had received a diagnosis of autism under the criteria of the DSM IV would still fall under that category in the DSM-5. The remaining 14% would be diagnosed with social communications disorder or SCD. This study can be found here: http://www.jaacap.com/article/S0890-8567(14)00044-6/fulltext
This study helps us understand the recent findings at the US Center for Disease Control and prevention which found that lower rates would be around 10%.
What is social communications disorder (SCD) and how does it relate to autism and Asperger's Disorder?
This new diagnosis is part of the revision of the DSM- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. SCD can best be described as individuals who have social and communications difficulty without the repetitive behaviours and restrict interests that many typically associate with high functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome (often called Asperger's Disorder).
Of those children previously diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder 91% would still get the autism diagnosis - Asperger's Disorder and autism spectrum disorder have now been combined into one category. 6% of these individuals would be diagnosed with with social communications disorder and 3% with another disorder.
Why has this happened? Mostly to assist research, and to attempt to separate one distinct disorder from another. The problem is that most services provided by government agencies require a specific diagnosis, and this small group would now not make that diagnosis. Will they be denied funds and services? Hopefully not, but this is an issue for mental health agencies, governments and our government representatives to fix. Not those who write the DSM.
There is clearly the same level of disability in many cases, and for the most part behavioural, social and educational treatments are the same. So action needs to be taken on changing the guidelines for funding, and not on artificially changing the guidelines for science, which we need to remain clear to further support research.
Does a child with a serious social communications disorder deserve less funding, fewer services and lower levels of support than a similar child with an ASD diagnosis? No. Do they both benefit from services to the same degree? I would think so, but truthfully there needs now to be further study if treatments should differ by diagnosis.
But the truth is children with ASD or SCD more often than not have other complex co-morbid conditions, and these children need out support. I suggest we all contact those in government who make financial decision and make sure those decisions are based on science, need and effectiveness.
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If you are interested in contacting me about my practice in the field of Aspeger's Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder I have offices in both Burnaby, BC and Vancouver, BC. more information can be found at my website: http://www.relatedminds.com or http://www.relatedminds.com/autism/
I provide diagnostic services for children, adolescents and adults with autism and Asperger's Disorder as well as behavioural and communications training. Treatment and support services for teens and young adults in the workplace is one of the focuses of my practice.
http://psychologists.bc.ca/users/jimroche
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