Are you concerned about the proposed changes to the definition of Autism?

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education.com asks:

Changes proposed to the definition of autism for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders make the definition more narrow, which could drastically reduce the number of people who meet the criteria.

Are you concerned that the narrowing of the definition could take away helpful services from people who need it? Or do you agree that the definition was too broad to begin with?

Member Added on Jan 20, 2012

Here's a recent article in the New York Times that helps provide some background on the subject: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/health/research/new-autism-definition-would-exclude-many-study-suggests.html?_r=1

In Topics: Special needs, Autism & Aspergers Syndrome

> 60 days ago

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Expert

Louiseasl

Apr 19, 2012

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What the Expert Says:

I personally am concerned whenever there is a change to the familiar in the DSM, as it often means disruption to the special education process and families. Special Education law and guidelines are very difficult to learn and implement.

My hopes are that the changes are not being driven for financial reasons and that children who truly have Autism related disorders will continue to receive quality medical and educational care.

Thanks for asking.

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