If you want to see what is happening with the DSM V revisions (Psychiatrist's Diagnostic Manual) for autism, check out their website. I was very skeptical prior to looking at the changes because I did not want (and still do not want) to see the Asberger's label go away, but aside from that, I like the way that they have streamlined it to feel like a spectrum. I get a nice visual of its dynamics, seeing severe move to moderate move to high functioning move to off of the label. I see enough children make headway along that path moving slowly but steadily into better space with our therapies, to make that spectrum visual real. As for whether or not it will work, time will tell. There is still time to provide input to the DSM V committee for those of you who want to do so.
By the way, the new language for sensory modulation symptoms for autism is in that definition. They included all three types of modulation problems: hyper-reactive (over-responsive or over sensitive), hypo-reactive (under-responsive or under sensitive) and craving (seeking). This is a huge win and a first step for Dr. Lucy Jane Miller and her colleagues. Sensory modulation does not exist as it's own disorder yet in the DSM. Presumably, that is step two.
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