World of Psychology reflects today on a New York Times article suggesting that Asperger's Syndrome is unlikely to feature in DSM-V the next version of the US psychiatrist's bible.
Apparently the manual is likely to favour the continuum approach, using the term "mild autism" rather than Asperger's.
It will be interesting to see what impact this has in the UK.
It will be interesting to see what impact this has in the UK.
I think this is detrimental to people with Aspeerger's syndrome as it detracts from the fact that although there are some commonalities between Autism and AS there are also vast differences.
Particularly when it comes to mental health issues aspies can end up in the system because it is much harder to pick up AS early on whereas autism is more noticeable in its manifestation.
I am professional trainer for a company called Autistic Spectrum Condition Awareness Training (ASCAT)
Such invalidations of human entitlement to statutory support are a cost-cutter's dream.
Invisible disabilities such as Asperger's Syndrome and other forms of autistic spectrum condition too easily go 'under the radar' of statutory authorities that are ever eager to cut costs rather than promote equality.
The National Autistic Society's 'Don't Write Me Off' campaign helps outline the fact that for people with Asperger's Syndrome and their families, AS is not a 'minor condition'. And it is made all the more debilitating by the ignorance and vested interests of people who masquerade as responsible professionals delivering a public service.