The next version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) more than likely will collapse Asperger’s Disorder and PDD-NOS into “Autistic Spectrum Disorder” (ASD). If you want to comment go to the following web site.
I think the new definition of ASD is cleaner and well written. It still needs something in the diagnostic criteria that addresses how substantially handicapped the person is by his/her particular symptoms.
The flip side of diagnosis is treatment. A diangosis of “Autistic Spectrum Disorder” should include the specific deficits — and degree of deficit — so as to suggest appropriate, individual interventions.
