The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has not been significantly updated in 17 years, may be modified to include more restrictive diagnostic criteria for “autism spectrum disorder” (a combination of what is currently known as autism disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (“PDD-NOS”)).  A panel of experts appointed by the APA is recommending the change.

Click here to read the APA’s January 20, 2012 press release.

Click here to view the proposed diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, the rationale for the proposed change, and the current diagnostic criteria for autism disorder currently in the DSM-IV.