As most are aware now, DSM-V proposed changes were released today. I’ve had a chance to look over the criteria changes for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Must meet criteria 1, 2, and 3:

1. Clinically significant, persistent deficits in social communication and interactions, as manifest by all of the following:

a. Marked deficits in nonverbal and verbal communication used for social interaction:
b. Lack of social reciprocity;
c. Failure to develop and maintain peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least TWO of the following:

a. Stereotyped motor or verbal behaviors, or unusual sensory behaviors
b. Excessive adherence to routines and ritualized patterns of behavior
c. Restricted, fixated interests

3. Symptoms must be present in early childhood (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities)

I look at this from both an adult stand point and a parent stand point. My primary concern is with Criteria 1b. Social reciprocity can often be for children not noticeable until later in years. This can possibly lead to a lower rate of diagnosis in those children in the early years. I suspect though, that most children that don’t show the difference are probably not diagnosed until later at this point anyways.

But as an adult, I know the rules of social reciprocity. If someone does something nice for me, I must do something back. If someone compliments me, I should also compliment them. I can perform these responses. Whether or not they are learned or out of genuine feelings is where the problem lies. As an adult that didn’t get diagnosed until I was an adult, I can see where other adults that may seek a diagnosis would fall through the cracks on this one. Many of us have learned and adapted our skills, but still have other areas of concern.

I can honestly say I have a hard time making and keeping friends. Only those that have stuck by me out of sheer determination from their point of view are the ones I keep. When I try to keep track of friendships, I ultimately fail. And again with the 1a, I know there are times when I miss nonverbal cues. It’s the idea that you have to meet all 3 that is troubling to me. Especially since it’s all speculation on the part of the diagnosing party whether this is a learned response or a genuine feeling.

However, I am very happy to see the addition of Sensory behaviors added. My youngest certainly doesn’t do any of the stereotyped behaviors any more, but has more than enough sensory behaviors to make up for it. This addition I think will help a lot of parents that are on the fence. Not seeing the spinning or flapping hands no longer means that you ‘might’ have a child with Autism.

Source: NHS Information Centre

Using the recommended threshold of a score of 10 or more on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 1.0 percent of the adult population had ASD. Published childhood population studies show the prevalence rate among children is also approximately 1.0 percent.

This is the most important part of the information published. The implications of this study are far-reaching.  I’d like to look at a few of them in a bit of detail.  Subjects such as services, vaccinations, genetics and sociology come to mind. I hate to start with the subject of vaccinations and biomedical theories, but it is a very important subject matter.

I have faced many parents who have adamantly said I must not have Autism for one, and for two that their children are suffering from toxicity. I’m sure others have as well. This study clearly shows that the rate is the same across the board. Since vaccinations have only recently (past 20 years) been so widely used, there should be an increase in the rate.

I must say though, that the vaccine implications pale in comparison to needed services. This shows we are not getting much support, at least in the UK, and I believe not in the US either. We need more support to get it through college, as the amount of education is low. We need support in relationships, or else, the rate of being single wouldn’t be so low. Job placement assistance, financial planning, so on so forth. I read somewhere after this, “If the rate is so high, then why do they continue to live?” Basically using survival of the fittest and natural selection as a means to try to explain how there is still a high rate of autism. The fact remains that we are, for lack of a better term, mating and reproducing. I’d much rather a world where my kids can get assistance, if they need it, than to live alone, with no education, and a low paying job.

Which brings me to the sociology of all this. If there is such a high rate of adults who have the most part went undiagnosed, what does that mean of our impact on society? Are we being accepted or cornered into a homes? Is there adequate means to promote social awareness for not just the children, but adults as well? Social awareness should really be a two way street. We have all adapted quite a bit over our life times to be where we’re at today. I would like to see more socially aware peers. I feel like I probably go overboard telling others of Autism just so I know there is awareness. If I don’t say something, who will?

I hope this all has given you something to think about. Hopefully we will see more studies like this to come out.