SchaferAutismReport: Proposed Autism Diagnosis Changes Anger Aspies

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NEWS

Proposed Autism

Diagnosis Changes Anger " Aspies "

is.gd/8oQ11

Chicago AP - In the autism

world, " Aspies " are sometimes seen as the elites, the ones who

are socially awkward, yet academically gifted and who embrace their

quirkiness.

Now, many Aspies, a nickname for

people with Asperger's syndrome, are upset over a proposal they see as an attack

on their identity. Under proposed changes to the most widely used diagnostic

manual of mental illness, Asperger's syndrome would no longer be a separate

diagnosis.

Instead, Asperger's and other forms of autism

would be lumped together in a single " autism spectrum disorders "

category. Some parents say they'd welcome the change, thinking it would

eliminate confusion over autism's variations and perhaps lead to better

educational services for affected kids.

But opponents - mostly older teens and adults

with Asperger's - disagree.

Liane Holliday Willey, a Michigan author and

self-described Aspie whose daughter also has Asperger's, fears Asperger's

kids will be stigmatized by the autism label - or will go undiagnosed and get

no services at all.

Grouping Aspies with people " who have

language delays, need more self-care and have lower IQs, how in the world are

we going to rise to what we can do? " Willey said.

Rubinstein, 23, a graduate student

from Massapequa, N.Y., says she " vehemently " opposes the proposal

and will think of herself as someone with Asperger's no matter what.

Autism and Asperger's " mean such

different things, " she said.

Yes and no.

Both are classified as neurodevelopmental

disorders. Autism has long been considered a disorder that can range from

mild to severe. Asperger's symptoms can vary, but the condition is generally

thought of as a mild form and since 1994 has had a separate category in

psychiatrists' diagnostic manual. Both autism and Asperger's involve poor

social skills, repetitive behavior or interests, and problems communicating.

But unlike classic autism, Asperger's does not typically involve delays in

mental development or speech.

The American Psychiatric Association's proposed

revisions, announced Wednesday, involve autism and several other conditions.

The suggested autism changes are based on research advances since 1994

showing little difference between mild autism and Asperger's. Evidence also

suggests that doctors use the term loosely and disagree on what it means,

according to psychiatrists urging the revisions.

A new autism spectrum category recognizes that

" the symptoms of these disorders represent a continuum from mild to

severe, rather than being distinct disorders, " said Dr. Edwin Cook, a

University of Illinois at Chicago autism researcher and member of the APA

work group proposing the changes.

The proposed revisions are posted online at

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In

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NEWS

Proposed Autism Diagnosis Changes Anger " Aspies "

Proposed Changes to the Definition of Autism by the APA

RESEARCH

Another Study Refutes Vaccination-Autism Link

TREATMENT

Nasal Spray Gives Hope On Autism

Handling of Seizures On TV Medical Dramas Often Wrong, Study Finds

PEOPLE

Daryl Hanna Previously Blacklisted Because of Asperger's Syndrome

Autistic Swimmer Breaks Stereotypes In His Quest For 1st Place On Swim Team

Autism Diagnosis May Take Death Off Table For PA Man

UK Mother Allegedly Murdered Son With Bleach

Illinois Boy Feted By Mail Service Dies Later In Day

FINANCES

FAQs for the 15 States That Have Enacted Autism Insurance Reform Laws

COMMENTARY

Regulator Waffles On Bisphenol A

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Vol. 14 No. 16

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