There has been much discussion regarding the proposed changes in DSM-V autism diagnostic criteria. Instead of utilizing pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) as a broad umbrella to classify various subgroups (including autism, Asperger's, PDD-NOS), the proposed change eliminates all subgroups and only utilizes one diagnostic criteria -- autism spectrum disorder.
Some feel that such a change will result in the identification of fewer individuals with autism. According to preliminary data presented by the American Psychiatric Association, changes in diagnostic criteria will not reduce the numbers of children identified with autism. Click here to read more about these findings.
